Abstract
The merit of the seat belt as an ejection-preventing device is not being contested. Two patients incurred severe intestinal injuries, and one of them also received associated spinal injuries. This emphasizes the relative safety of lap type seat belts and should alert the treating physician to a defined injury pattern directly related to the wearing of these belts at the time of collision. The traumatic mechanism involved in mesenteric and intestinal tearing is result of direct injury from the belt or inertial injury.