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According to a new study by researchers from the Safe Transportation Education and Research Center at the University of California, obese passengers are more likely to sustain fatal injuries in a car accident when compared with passengers who are a healthy weight. The study, published in the Emergency Medicine Journal, expressed concerns about the ability of passenger vehicles to safely accommodate obese passengers and drivers.

Study Suggests Obese Passengers May be More at Risk

Researchers examined data of fatal accidents between 1996 and 2008, which were recorded through the US Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Between 1996 and 2008, the data showed that there were 57,491 car accidents. For about 3,403 people information about weight and seat belt use was available. Of these 3,403 people, 18% were obese, a third were overweight, and almost half were a healthy weight (based on BMI). Looking at the data, researchers found that those with a BMI (body mass index) of 30-34.9 had a 21% higher chance of dying in a car crash when compared with passengers and drivers of a healthy weight. Drivers and passengers with a BMI of 35-39.9 had a 51% higher risk of fatal injuries. Those who were severely obese with a BMI of at least 40 had an 80% higher chance of dying in a car accident when compared with those of a normal weight.

Researchers concluded that at least once possible explanation may be related to seat belt use. The study found that one third of those who died in the car accidents were not properly wearing a seat belt. The study’s authors concluded that some people who are severely obese may not be able to wear a seat belt properly or may choose not to wear a seat belt because it is not comfortable.

The study authors also suggested that in a car collision the lower body of an obese passenger is pushed forward more before the seatbelt engages. This is due to the extra tissue and body mass which keeps the belt from fitting snugly. The upper body is held back more while the pelvis moves forward, which the researchers believe may lead to more serious injuries.

The study’s authors also suggested that obese drivers and passengers may have more underlying health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac problems, and other conditions which can affect their recovery if they sustain serious injury.

What does this mean for obese drivers and passengers in South Florida?

The study suggests that drivers and passengers who are obese are more at risk of serious injuries in the event of a car accident in Fort Lauderdale and other communities. The study’s authors suggested that seatbelts sometimes do not fit obese passengers as well as they could. Hopefully, car and truck manufacturers will consider creating seatbelts for obese passengers and drivers so that these motorists can stay safer in the event of a truck accident in For Lauderdale and other communities. Traffic accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Florida already claim too many lives. Creating safety devices that work correctly for passengers of all sizes and shapes would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

According to a University of Laval study, morbidly obese drivers have a higher risk of being in a car accident because of health issues caused by their weight. Researchers in the study examined data from 75 medical studies to reach their conclusion. The researchers also concluded that obese passengers and drivers involved in a car accident may have a higher risk of fatalities and serious injuries, in part because car safety features are designed for a standard-sized person and may not work as well for someone who is larger than average.

Since Miami sees its fair share of obesity patients, Miami car accidents and injuries caused by weight issues are a concern in the city. Of course, medical-related Miami traffic accidents can occur to any driver in any age range or weight range group. However, it is also true that obese drivers may be prone to medical risks. Obese drivers, for example, may be more at risk of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder which can cause fatigued driving and drowsiness behind the wheel. Obese drivers may also be at an increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and other chronic conditions which come with dangerous complications. When these complications occur behind the wheel, a medical emergency and car accident are the likely result. If a driver has a stroke or heart attack while driving, for example, they will likely be involved in a Miami pedestrian accident or car accident when they lose control of the vehicle.

Another problem is that obese drivers may be more at risk of injuries in a Miami traffic accident. Seat belts, air bags, and other safety systems in cars are designed for specific body sizes. There has already been research done to show that those who are below average height, for example, can actually be harmed by a seat belt or air bag in the event of a car collision. In the same manner, obese drivers and passengers may actually be more prone to injury in the event of a crash because their bodies are not the size that car manufacturers consider when creating seat belts and other safety systems. As a result, seat belts may cut into the body and other problems may occur in the event of an accident, leading to injury.

It is difficult to know how to make drivers in all weight categories safer behind the wheel. In the long term, one obvious solution is to create cars designed for different-sized drivers or to create more adaptable safety systems – ones that can be adjusted to optimally protect drivers of all heights and weights. In the meantime, drivers can take charge by staying as healthy as possible and by visiting their doctor regularly to deal with any health issues which can affect driving ability. If a driver is diagnosed with a serious illness, such as a heart condition or diabetes, it is important for that driver to manage their condition and to follow doctor’s recommendations regarding driving and any other activity.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Obesity can impact a teenager’s life in many ways – social alienation, low self-esteem, and of course the serious impacts it can have on health. Because of how debilitating it can be, it’s often difficult for teens to change their situation. It’s easy to get mired in shame, self-doubt, and a sense of despair concerning your weight.

Doris Dorr is working to change that. Recipient of the National Associated of Sports and Physical Education (NASPE)’s Unsung Hero Award, Doris, a Physical Education teacher, started an afterschool exercise program for girls where she volunteers her time to help girls become more healthy and comfortable with their self-image.

It’s individual efforts like this that, combined, have the potential to transform the health of our nation’s teenagers. We applaud Doris Dorr, and all of our partners at NASPE, for their hard work.

Century Council Blog