Despite Seat Belts And Airbags, Louisiana Motorists Are Still At Risk In A Serious Car Crash.

Why are people still dying in head-on auto crashes in Louisiana, despite seat belt use, airbags and the far better crashworthiness of recent cars?

All statistical surveys show the combination of seat belt use and air bags is highly effective, reducing fatality risk by 61 percent, compared to the fatality rate of a motorist not protected by seat belt or air bags. But 61 percent is not 100 percent and there are circumstances wherein, despite the extra protection, the occupants of a vehicle in a frontal collision can be killed.

What are the circumstances in which vehicle occupants might be killed in frontal crashes, despite the use of seat belt and air bags?

An extensive NRD-NHTSA study on the subject found the following cases:
Exceedingly severe crashes and/or anomaly: In these cases, either caused by very high speed or other unusual circumstances, the safety systems are overwhelmed and cannot prevent the death of the occupant.
Corner and/or oblique impact: When the impact diverges sufficiently from the head-on path, there can be insufficient structural resistance and shock absorption at the corner of the vehicle, or the occupant's trajectory towards the corner cannot be efficiently prevented by a seat belt and air bag.
Underride into side or rear of a heavy vehicle: Tractor-trailer accidents might end with the colliding vehicle being crushed under the trailer's steel structure, despite trailer guards. The result can be roof collapse or object-intrusion.
Vulnerable occupant: Some vehicle occupants, because of their weight, age, size or medical condition, are more susceptible to dying in a frontal collision.
Tall, narrow object: Typically a tree or a pole, a narrow object can penetrate the colliding vehicle far deeper than more massive obstacles, resulting in fatal injuries.

At the Young Firm in New Orleans we are dedicated to the safety of our clients. If you have been involved in a car crash, contact us for a free evaluation of your case.