Car dashboard injuries rising, victims must take precautions: docs

Summary: A 'dashboard knee' is caused when the bent knee of someone sitting in the front seat slams against the dashboard. Of all the automobile-related injuries, knee injury as a result of twisting of the leg is most common. Most road accidents cause extensive orthopaedic injuries, along with trauma-related mental health problems. Vehicle dashboard injuries are a matter of growing concern and can cause major problems such as alignment issues and trauma, said doctors at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC). "The driver may suffer injuries if his head strikes the steering wheel, windshield, or the dashboard, especially if the car rolls.

Vehicle dashboard injuries are a matter of growing concern and can cause major problems such as alignment issues and trauma, said doctors at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC). Noting that accidents are on the rise in the city, experts said: "Depending on the type and severity of the car crash or collision, these injuries can result in serious, far-reaching physical and mental health issues. It is important to educate people so that in case of an accident, injury is minimised." As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 15 and 29 years globally. According to data released by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, there is one death every four minutes due to an accident and 20 children under the age of 14 die every day due to vehicle crashes. Body trauma An automobile accident can happen in different ways: impact can occur from the front, rear, or side. Most road accidents cause extensive orthopaedic injuries, along with trauma-related mental health problems.

Of all the automobile-related injuries, knee injury as a result of twisting of the leg is most common. A 'dashboard knee' is caused when the bent knee of someone sitting in the front seat slams against the dashboard. This may happen even if the car is travelling at 20 km/h. Besides pain and swelling, this can lead to strain or tears in major ligaments and trauma to the joint. In fact, one of the strongest ligaments in the body — posterior cruciate ligament in the knee — often gets damaged, said doctors. "The driver may suffer injuries if his head strikes the steering wheel, windshield, or the dashboard, especially if the car rolls.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/car-dashboard-injuries-rising-victims-must-take-precautions-docs/article9145798.ece

Subscribe to Delhi News Read Full Story ^[1]^[2]