How fast would you need to be driving for this to be fatal?

Question

You are driving down the road with a friend in the passenger seat. He doesn't wear his seat belt properly, he puts the shoulder strap behind his back. Something runs out n front of the car and you slam on the brakes.

Your friend jackknifes and his head hits the dashboard of the car.

Answer 1

Any speed can be fatal when someone hits their head on the dash........

Answer 2

>15 mph

Answer 3

Any sort of head injury has the potential to be fatal. Also, keep in mind that a head injury is NOT the only thing that could happen...there could be neck and spinal injuries, chest injuries and one that people don't really think about and that is an aortic shear (this is almost always instantly fatal). Also, injuries to arms and shoulders are possible, if not likely since it is a reflex reaction to reach out and try to stop yourself.

Speed aside, a person ALWAYS needs to wear their seatbelt AND wear it properly. It will do you no good not to. Never rely only on airbags...they are supplemental restraint...not the primary.

EMT

Answer 4

Just hitting the brakes no matter how fast you are going will cause your friends head to hit the dash board. If you have a problem with your friend buckling up properly stop the car and ask him to get out. Friends don't drive with friends unrestrained.