[Fatal injuries of organs situated in the neck caused by fastened seat belts]

Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol. 2011 Apr-Jun;61(2):170-5.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

The authors present the type and extent of injuries inflicted as a result of the victims wearing fastened seat belts during frontal impacts of the vehicles. As an example of a particular traffic accident, the authors describe a rare case of neck injuries resulting from improper fitting of the safety belt to the victim's height. The driver of the car that had frontally hit the obstacle was killed on the spot, while the female passenger, was taken to hospital in a severe condition, where she died several hours later. The direct cause of death of the passenger were injuries of the organs situated in the neck, such as rupture larynx, epiglottis and the thyroid cartilage, as well as the hyoid bone fracture resulting from an impact with a fastened safety belt.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic*
  • Automobiles
  • Autopsy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Larynx / injuries*
  • Larynx / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Rupture / etiology
  • Seat Belts / adverse effects*
  • Trachea / injuries*
  • Trachea / pathology