A comparison of injuries between lap belted and non-restrained automobile occupants according to seated position and vehicle size.

Multidisciplinary accident investigation (MDAI) accident reports were examined to determine the effectiveness of lap belts for rear seated occupants. After a clinical study of data on injured occupants, it was found that: unrestrained occupants are more likely to sustain injury than restrained occupants; lap belt injuries are more severe in front seated occupants, while less frequent; and most vulnerable body areas for severe injuries can be identified.