Additional information and reprint requests:
Stephen deRoux, M.D.
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York
520 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
E-mail: [email protected]

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Abstract

Abstract: Despite the implementation of numerous safety devices in automobiles, vehicular occupant fatalities following collisions remain common. We reviewed all fatalities of vehicular occupants in New York City over a 5-year period on whom autopsies were performed (437) to determine the incidence of neck injuries and correlate them with seat belt utilization; 26.5% had neck injuries (mild to severe) and only 10.3% of these occupants were confirmed to be wearing seatbelts. Of those that had documentation of seat belt utilization there were twice as many neck injuries in the unbelted group. We highlight two cases of submarining with severe neck injuries that were related to automatic 2-point shoulder harness restraints without engagement of the lap belt.

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Volume55, Issue2

March 2010

Pages 527-530

Motor Vehicle Occupants, Neck Injuries, and Seat Belt Utilization: A 5-Year Study of Fatalities in New York City

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Motor Vehicle Occupants, Neck Injuries, and Seat Belt Utilization: A 5-Year Study of Fatalities in New York City

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