Safety belts will prevent serious injury to a point and if positioned
properly. Often I see the lap portion of the belt positioned over the
abdomen instead of over the hip or thighs. This will cause lethal
internal injuries in an accident.
Typical injuries caused by seatbelt wearing are rib, sternum and
collarbone fractures. A lot better than a smashed rib case by the
steering column or a battered skull.
However when you hit a brick wall at 50mph all is lost. In these older
cars you may perhaps expect a reasonable protection by seat belts in a
frontal collision that can be compared to about 25-30mph against a
concrete block, which means you have a reasonable chance of survival,
beyond that it is death or very serious injury.
One of the most dangerous items in the car will be the steering shaft
for obvious reasons.
Kees Oudesluijs
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