
Car Complaints reported that researchers at the University of Virginia’s Center for Applied Biomechanics have “found a frontal car crash takes a toll on all occupants even when seat belts are buckled.” But belted female occupants “are at an increased risk of serious injuries compared to male occupants wearing seat belts.” Car Complaints says that “according to the study, female occupants wearing seat belts have 73 percent greater odds of several kinds of serious injuries, but even more so for injuries to the lower extremities.” Center for Applied Biomechanics Principal Scientist Jason Forman said that understanding “the fundamental biomechanical factors that contribute to increased risk for females” will require a “substantial effort.” Forman added that in his view the NHTSA “does not have the resources needed to address this issue.”
From the news release of the American Association for Justice.