Lack of seatbelt use increasing major trauma risk
Over 100 patients were admitted to Bay of Plenty hospitals due to car crash trauma last year at a cost of $1.35 million.
As Road Safety Week (May 7-13) is observed it is revealed that 16% of those injured were not wearing seatbelts resulting
in a higher instance of major trauma.
“The focus for this year’s Road Safety Week is on improving seatbelt use as unfortunately the lack of restraints by car
occupants involved in road traffic crashes remains an issue,” said Clinical Nurse Specialist-Trauma Katrina O’Leary.
“Road traffic accidents remain the second most common cause for injury admission to hospitals and are the most common
cause of admission for serious injury. Lack of seatbelt use increases the likelihood of serious injury, especially if
ejected from the vehicle.”
Across the Midland Region (includes Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, Taranaki, and Waikato DHBs) 549 patients were
admitted to hospital following car accidents in 2017, including 110 in the Bay of Plenty. The cost of treating those Bay
patients was $1.35 million.