NCJ Number
145766
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 972-977
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Although the seat belt minimizes injuries in automobile accidents, it often causes characteristic patterned injuries to the body relative to its application at the time of an accident.
Abstract
A 29-year-old female driver sustained a transection of the trachea due to the "submarine effect" from improper application of the seat belt. After striking a guard rail on the highway median, she crossed three lanes and struck an overpass structure. She was found dead in the driver's seat with only the shoulder belt applied. Autopsy revealed diffuse swelling of soft tissues in the face, neck, and chest and complete transection of the trachea beneath the cricoid cartilage. Other cases of trauma attributed to improper seat belt use are discussed. 13 references and 6 figures