Spare yourself the trauma with Brenna Benjamin.

Brenna Benjamin handles Trauma Program Injury Prevention and Outreach for Emergency Services at NorthBay Healthcare. Her blog focuses on preventive safety measures and true trauma encounters.

You can e-mail her at: BBenjamin@NorthBay.org

Brenna started writing for this blog September of 2017.

Holiday Travel Brings Safety Reminder

November 16, 2018
 

The holiday season is nearly here and with it comes more time on the road, traveling to see friends and family.

So now is the perfect time to remember some basic seatbelt safety advice - tips that can help you spare yourself the trauma.

Prevention is the best way to avoid trauma injuries. Always practice safe driving and wear your seat belt.

Here are some myths and truths about seatbelt use courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Myth: Seat belts are uncomfortable and restricting.

Truth: The belt's ratchet system allows adaptation of the belt's height to promote comfort. A minor, temporary discomfort is far better than injuries to the head, chest, abdomen or limbs.

Myth: I don't need the belt if I'm only going a short distance.

Truth: More than 80 percent of motor vehicle collisions occur at speeds less than 40 mph and within 25 miles from home.

Myth: I don't want to be trapped in the car in case of fire or water.

Truth: Less than 1/2 of 1 percent of all collisions involves fire or submersion. The seat belt/shoulder strap helps prevent head injuries, enabling you to remain conscious and facilitate extrication from the vehicle.

Myth: It's better to be thrown clear of the crash.

Truth: The chances of death are four times greater with ejection than staying in the vehicle.

Myth: I'm a good driver; I'll be careful.

Truth: Good driving skills are wonderful but no one can control the other driver's actions. Good drivers are injured and killed far too frequently.

Practicing good safety habits, including wearing shoulder straps and seat belts, will help keep you safe from injuries.

 

Tags: trauma

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