Seatbelt Use Decreases Mortality in Obese Adults

Seatbelt use decreases mortality from motor vehicle crashes by 45% to 60%. Obese persons might wear seatbelts incorrectly across the abdomen, rather than below the abdomen and across the anterior iliac spines, as is recommended for second- and third-trimester pregnant women. Researchers evaluated data from a population-based cohort of adults (≥16 years) in the 2003 National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System to determine whether belted obese occupants of cars involved in crashes are at increased risk for 30-day mortality, intra-abdominal injury (liver, spleen, kidney, and intraperitoneal hollow viscus), or any abdominal injury (intra-abdominal injury or any abdominal wall abrasion, contusion, or hematoma).

Data on body-ma…