Heavy Casualty Rate for Heavy Car Crash Victims

by Alex A. Kecskes

Heavy drivers suffer heavier injuries in car crashes. So concluded a recent study by the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Moderately obese drivers had a 21 percent greater risk of dying, while survival rates for morbidly obese were less than half. Both male and female drivers were included in the study,

Drivers were separated into groups based on body mass index (BMI), which is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Categories included underweight, normal, overweight, slightly obese, moderately obese and morbidly obese.

Crash injuries depend on a variety of factors—things like a person's velocity at impact, seat belt and air bag use, type of vehicle and impact scenario.

While crash test dummies have provided significant data on crash injury dynamics, they represent normal-weight individuals. Most Americans are overweight, so improvements in vehicle design that take this into account could reduce injuries and possibly save lives. One possible design improvement for overweight drivers would be to extend the range of adjustable seats to allow more space between the seat and steering column.

Also suggested in the study were recommendations that manufacturers design and test vehicle interiors with obese crash test dummies. This might improve safety for the one-third of the U.S. population that is overweight.

For an added perspective, check out this video:

For more information on health careers, visit http://www.healthcarejobsite.com/