Samenvatting
The purpose of this paper is to report on an observed pattern of liver and spleen injuries suffered by drivers wearing shoulder belts without the lap belt fastened. To place the pattern in context, an analysis of chest/abdominal injuries among belted drivers in the National Accident Sampling System, Crashworthiness Data (NASS/CDS) for the years 1988-1992 shows that liver and spleen injuries are relatively rare events. However, when these injuries occur, they may be unexpected during the initial scene evaluation of the patient. If untreated the consequences can be fatal.