In an angular collision, injuries are most commonly to which body region?

In an angular collision, injuries are most commonly to which body region?

• A. Lower extremity injuries
• B. Head injuries
• C. Chest injuries
• D. Spine injuries

Answer: (A)

In an angular collision, rotational forces drive the occupant to twist and strike interior structures as the vehicle changes direction. The legs and feet are typically braced against the floor, pedals, and lower dashboard, so they absorb a large share of the energy. This makes injuries to the lower extremities—knees, shins, ankles, and thighs—much more common in this scenario. The upper body can be better protected by restraints and by the way the car deforms, so head, chest, or spine injuries, while possible, occur less consistently than leg injuries in angular crashes. When assessing after such a crash, prioritize checking for knee and leg injuries, including possible fractures or severe contusions, even if other regions seem uninjured at first.

In an angular collision, rotational forces drive the occupant to twist and strike interior structures as the vehicle changes direction. The legs and feet are typically braced against the floor, pedals, and lower dashboard, so they absorb a large share of the energy. This makes injuries to the lower extremities—knees, shins, ankles, and thighs—much more common in this scenario. The upper body can be better protected by restraints and by the way the car deforms, so head, chest, or spine injuries, while possible, occur less consistently than leg injuries in angular crashes. When assessing after such a crash, prioritize checking for knee and leg injuries, including possible fractures or severe contusions, even if other regions seem uninjured at first.