Motor Vehicle Collision And The human Body

By Aisha Carr-Noel


The screech of tyres, the roar of the engine, fuelled by the rush of adrenaline, adventurous fingers grasp the core of the speed machine, a launch anticipated yet muscled with excitement grips the master at the wheel. No thought of losing control of this manmade machine is ever entertained. Man and machine become one, a common goal, the ride of a life time, an ultimate high.

The descriptions of drivers looking for the ultimate thrill, whether on the race track or on the highways when there is an accident, the result are in many cases fatal.

In the world of medical professionals, rescuers, and law enforcement the term used to describe an accident involving vehicles is known as an MVA or MVC Motor Vehicle Accident or Collision.

In this publication, we would look at the events which occur and there effects on the human body when an MVC takes place. Injury is usually consistent with the type of collision.

Types of MVC
We will briefly look at five common forms
of MVCs:
• Head-on Collision (frontal)
• T-Bone Collision or lateral impact
collision (lateral)
• Rear End Collision (rear)
• Rollover Collision
• Rotational Collision

Let us look briefly at injuries that may occur in each type of collision with and without seatbelts. These injuries are examples and are not limited to the suggestions made.

There are three separate events which take place during a MVC that causes injury. These events are described as collisions:
• Machine Collision
• Body Collision
• Organ Collision

Machine collision is the impact of the vehicle on an object whether mobile or stationery, for example a car hitting a tree.

Body collision is the impact of the body to an object in the car, for example the steering wheel causing injury to body parts such as broken ribs.

Although the car and the body may stop moving after impact the organs within the body would still be moving and would have a collision of its own, causing injury to internal organs such as
the heart and lungs hitting the inside of the sternum, this may cause myocardial and pulmonary contusions.

Seat Belts
Seat Belts save lives and it is most important in reducing the severity of injuries sustained as a result of a MVC. However, if seat belts are not worn properly it can cause injury. Seat belts worn on the abdomen and not on the pelvis are most likely to cause internal abdominal injuries.

Three-point restraint or cross chest lap belt will secure the body better than just a lap belt. However, note that in small children a three-point restraint may cause choking therefore proper
child safety seats and seatbelts should be used.

Air Bags
Air Bags do not work alone, seat belts must be worn. Air bags are added safety features which compliment. Seatbelts should be worn at all times.


Safety devices do not protect you from all injury but they significantly reduce the severity of the injuries sustained and preserve life.

The greatest safety mechanism is the freedom of choice that we all possess. Every decision made on the road affects someone else. Your ability to manoeuvre between traffic at high speeds will impact someone else and may cause miscalculation and wrong fatal choices to be made.

Each time you get behind the wheel, remember you are not only driving for yourself but for other drivers and pedestrians as well, make choices that preserve life and enjoy the ride.