Child spinal injury a 'serious risk' if unrestrained in car crashesRSS Feed

Spinal injury is a serious risk among children who are not restrained properly in a car, new research has indicated.

Use of an adult seatbelt without a booster seat, or a lap belt without a shoulder strap, can both cause severe abdominal, lumbar, spine head and spinal cord injury, claim Temple University Hospital doctors.

The seat belt study, which has been published in the Irish Medical Journal, suggests that these spinal cord injuries are caused by the rapid deceleration that is characteristic of high impact crashes.

Researchers conclude: "Children should be restrained in cars by means of a three-point anchor and this is only achieved by means of using a shoulder strap in addition to a lap belt.

"We need to increase professional and parental awareness on proper restraint use in child car passengers."

A survey conducted by CG-Lock in November 2009 indicated that nine in ten osteopaths believe a simple seat belt attachment would help to improve both comfort and safety in a crash.

News brought to you by Serious Law specialists in spinal injury

Posted by Matthew Dixon
 

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