Because of its flexibility and structure, the cervical spine is disposed to various mechanisms of injury: although not so common as injuries caused by head impacts, cervical fractures and/or fracture-dislocations have been reported without direct impact to the head. Some cervical injuries reported have been sustained by wearers of lap and shoulder belts in auto accidents; however it is not considered that belt use is a potential hazard because ample evidence has accured in the medical and engineering literature to document general injury and fatality reduction by use of seatbelts.
Abstract