Understanding Injury Prevention & Crash Dynamics

Many believe they would rather be “thrown clear” of the vehicle in the event of a crash.  However, being “thrown clear” means that person is 4 times more likely to be killed and 16 times more likely to sustain spine injuries.

Injury is defined as a transfer of energy to tissues

Examples of Unintentional Injury are: Falls, Burns, Motor Vehicle Crashes, etc.

Examples of Intentional Injury are: Homicide, Abuse, Suicide, etc.

Injury is the leading cause of death to children over the age of one (1).

There are 3 phases in a Motor Vehicle Crash:
  1. Pre-Crash - Drivers condition (intoxicated, sleepy, etc.)
  2. Crashes - was the occupants wearing seatbelts, what is the vehicle size, and were there any guardrails, etc.
  3. Post-Crash - Depends on the age and health conditions of the occupants and how close Emergency Medical Services are from the location of the accident

Crash Dynamics are based on Newton’s Law.

Newton’s Law - an object in motion continues at original speed until acted upon by an outside force, such as a vehicle hits a tree or another vehicle; occupant hits the windshield, the seat belt, or the interior of the vehicle.

Restraining Force = Weight of the child multiplied by the speed before the crash

There are 3 collisions in a Motor Vehicle Crash:

  1. Vehicle
  2. Human
  3. Organs

There are 4 Types of Motor Vehicle Crash:

  1. Frontal - most frequent
  2. Lateral - typically the most fatal
  3. Rear-End
  4. Rollover

Purpose of a Vehicle’s Restraint System is:

  • Prevent ejection
  • Contact the body at the strongest parts
  • Spread forces over a wide area of the body
  • Allow the body to “ride down” the Motor Vehicle Crash

    (“Ride down,” means an extension of time during a crash that the deceleration forces are experienced by the occupant)
  • Protect the head and spine

Seat belts, Airbags, and/or Child Safety Seats are the Best chance for survival in a Motor Vehicle Crash.