ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

Transection of Trachea Due to Improper Application of Automatic Seat Belt (Submarine Effect)
Roh, LS
Pathologist-Deputy Medical Examiner and Medical Investigator, Office of Medical Examiner, County of Westchester, NY

Fazzalaro, W
Pathologist-Deputy Medical Examiner and Medical Investigator, Office of Medical Examiner, County of Westchester, NY

(Received 5 October 1992; accepted 3 November 1992)

Abstract

The seat belt has been a major contributor in minimizing injuries in automobile accidents. However, it often causes characteristic patterned injuries to the body relative to its application at the time of an accident. We report an unusual case of a driver who sustained a transection of the trachea due to the “submarine effect” from improper application of the seat belt.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, trachea transection, seat belts, submarine effect

Paper ID: JFS13497J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13497J
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