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Unrestrained Occupants in Frontal Crashes

Most frequent type of crash Most frequent type of crash Fractures of the legs, pelvis, & skull Fractures of the legs, pelvis, & skull Fractures and compression injuries of the chest & abdomen Fractures and compression injuries of the chest & abdomen Cuts and fractures of the face, eyes and throat Cuts and fractures of the face, eyes and throat

Unrestrained Occupants in Lateral Crashes

Typically the most deadly type of crash Typically the most deadly type of crash Chest & pelvic injuries Chest & pelvic injuries Facial and skull fractures Facial and skull fractures Minor differences in fatalities between left & right side Minor differences in fatalities between left & right side

Unrestrained Occupants in Rear- end Collisions

Usually less severe Usually less severe C-spine injuries (whiplash) C-spine injuries (whiplash) Properly set head restraint can decrease risk of injury Properly set head restraint can decrease risk of injury Head restraints should be adjusted according to the instructions in the vehicle owner ’ s manual, generally above the tops of the ears. Head restraints should be adjusted according to the instructions in the vehicle owner ’ s manual, generally above the tops of the ears.

Unrestrained Occupants in Rollovers

Rollovers = Side to side/end over end Rollovers = Side to side/end over end Severity of injury depends upon number of rotations etc. Severity of injury depends upon number of rotations etc. Often cause ejection Often cause ejection Ejected occupants are 4 times more likely to be killed Ejected occupants are 4 times more likely to be killed Safety belts are designed to prevent ejection and keep occupants inside the vehicle Safety belts are designed to prevent ejection and keep occupants inside the vehicle

Illinois Laws Standard Safety Belt Law Standard Safety Belt Law Graduated Driver License Law Graduated Driver License Law Child Passenger Protection Act Child Passenger Protection Act

Standard Safety Belt Law Applies to front seat occupants of all vehicles Applies to front seat occupants of all vehicles Requires proper use of safety belt Requires proper use of safety belt Primary offense effective July 3, 2003 Primary offense effective July 3, 2003 Exemptions Exemptions $25 fine $25 fine

Graduated Driver License Law Drivers under age 18 may have no more than one front seat passenger Drivers under age 18 may have no more than one front seat passenger Drivers under age 18 may have no more passengers in the back than the number of available safety belts Drivers under age 18 may have no more passengers in the back than the number of available safety belts

Graduated Driver License Law Drivers under age 18 must have all passengers under age 19 properly secured in any seating position in the vehicle Drivers under age 18 must have all passengers under age 19 properly secured in any seating position in the vehicle Drivers under age 18 may have no more than one passenger under the age of 20 for the first six months that they are licensed Drivers under age 18 may have no more than one passenger under the age of 20 for the first six months that they are licensed

Child Passenger Protection Act Applies anywhere in the vehicle Applies anywhere in the vehicle Requires proper use Requires proper use Children under age 8 must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system Children under age 8 must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system Parent or legal guardian must provide a seat to anyone transporting their child Parent or legal guardian must provide a seat to anyone transporting their child Children 8 years of age or older but under the age of 16 must be secured in a safety belt Children 8 years of age or older but under the age of 16 must be secured in a safety belt

Child Passenger Protection Act If the driver is under age 18, all passengers under age 19 must be properly secured If the driver is under age 18, all passengers under age 19 must be properly secured Exemptions Exemptions $50 fine for first offense $50 fine for first offense $100 fine for subsequent offenses $100 fine for subsequent offenses

Best Practice All occupants should be properly restrained All occupants should be properly restrained All seating positions All seating positions All of the time All of the time

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