Seatbelts reduce morbidity and mortality [5]. 50 – 80% of all deaths of RTC could have been prevented by properly used seatbelt [3, 7]. Restrained occupants who have survived were shown to have more incidence of vertebral and intra-abdominal injuries compared with unbelted occupants [8]. It is not clear whether these injuries were caused by the seatbelts or they have been detected more in those who survived. Seatbelt effectiveness is related to the driver’s behaviour and education level [9]. Incorrectly used seatbelts may cause fatal injuries [10]. Herby,

we review the literature on seatbelts and their role in reducing road traffic collision injuries. Biomechanics and role of seat belts in RTC Seatbelts reduce the severity Selleckchem Tideglusib of injury caused by RTC by restraining vehicle occupants in their seats and preventing them from hitting objects, or being Selleck SHP099 ejected through the windows. They act to scatter the kinetic energy of the body which is released on rapid deceleration. This energy is disintegrated through the body skeleton [11]. Lap belts were used initially but many studies have shown that the lap belts are not sufficient as they hold the body at two points (Figure 1). The belt acts as a fulcrum about which the body pivots causing major force directed

toward the lumbar spine [12]. They will not prevent head and chest from moving forward and hitting the windscreen or the steering wheel. Furthermore, the abdominal viscera may be injured. Figure 1 Lap belts can be harmful. They hold the body at two points and act as a fulcrum about which the body EPZ5676 pivots causing major lumbar spine injuries. Shoulder restraints were then introduced [5]. On 1968 the 3 point belt was made compulsory in UK. The emergency locking retractors were provided by Volvo on 1968. They lock the belt in sudden deceleration and prevent the body from bending forward [4]. When occupants are unrestrained in motor vehicle crashes, there will be three collisions.

The first collision involves the vehicle and an external object, the second collision, which is responsible for most of the injuries, and can be prevented by seatbelt use, occurs between the unbelted occupant and the vehicle interior. The chest may hit the steering wheel and the head may hit the windscreen. Finally the third collision occurs when the internal organs enough of the body hit against the chest wall or the skeletal structure [3]. The amount of the energy and the direction of impact are major factors that determine the outcome of collisions. In front impact, there is deceleration of the vehicle as it hits another vehicle or a static object. Subsequently, the patient’s lower extremities receive the initial energy impact which could result in different lower limb injuries including fracture dislocation of the ankle, femur fracture, knee dislocation, and posterior dislocation of the femoral head from the acetabulum as the pelvis override the femur.