Car crashes are a major cause of injury and death in the United States. Knowing which body parts are most likely to be injured in a car crash can help you take steps to protect yourself and your passengers.
When a car is involved in a crash, the force of the impact is usually concentrated on the side of the car that is struck. For people riding on the struck side of the car, severe injuries are most commonly delivered to person’s neck, followed by the head, chest, legs, and abdomen/pelvis.
The neck is particularly vulnerable in a car crash because it is not well protected by the body’s natural armor. The head is also vulnerable, as it is the most exposed part of the body in a crash. Injuries to the head can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious head trauma, such as concussions and skull fractures.
For car occupants riding on the non-struck side of the car, head injuries are most common, followed by chest injuries. The chest is particularly vulnerable in a crash because it is the area of the body that absorbs the most force. Chest injuries can range from minor bruises to more serious injuries, such as broken ribs and internal organ damage.
In addition to the head and chest, the legs and abdomen/pelvis are also vulnerable in a car crash. The legs are particularly vulnerable because they are often the first part of the body to make contact with the car’s interior. Abdominal and pelvic injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries, such as organ damage and broken bones.
No matter which body part is hit first in a car crash, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your passengers. Wearing a seatbelt is the best way to protect yourself in a crash. Additionally, make sure that all passengers are properly secured in their seats, and that all children are in the appropriate car seat for their age and size. By taking these steps, you can help reduce the risk of serious injury in a car crash.