This was not a Alcohol related wreck however the driver had at least three significant injuries due to not wearing a seatbelt all of which were life threatening. I do not know his final outcome however he was conscious when I left him in the ambulance. I suspect that had he worn a seatbelt, that day, he would have only sustained a broken ankle ( a bracing injury ) and some seatbelt rash. I thought the pictures are significant to demonstrate the importance of wearing the seatbelts and wanted to pass them on to you.

The accident occurred on I-10 near Lake Charles, LA about Dec 2002. The driver of the truck lost control during rainy conditions and crossed both the median and oncoming traffic lanes of I-10 to impact a tree on the opposing shoulder. It was a single vehicle accident and no alcohol or drugs were suspected.

Had the truck been moving in a straight manner when it hit the tree the subject would have been ejected completely through the windshield. Because his vehicle was not sliding straight when the impact occurred he was thrown both forward and backward within the vehicle as the rear of the truck lifted and was thrown basically around to the opposite side of the tree.

I was the first medical person on scene. I cannot comment on his specific injuries however I will say that he had three serious ( life threatening injuries ) and one moderate injury to the ankle. I believe that all of the visible serious injuries I witnessed were preventable with a seatbelt. Please remind your readers that even though his airbag did not deploy, that you still have to wear the seatbelt to stay properly positioned in the vehicle. An airbag will not prevent you from being ejected in this type of accident. Chances are; if your ejected from the vehicle, you die!

I hope this will give your web site a little extra ammunition. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely, Roy King NR-EMT-Basic #B1284046

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