Weight Factor in Surviving Accidents

Car accident victims who are overweight have a lesser chance of surviving than those of a normal weight, according to a new study.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine, focused on how the weight of people may impact their ability to recover from a car crash, according to news reports.

It found in single or two-car accidents that occurred from 2000 to 2005, obese people were 21 percent more likely to die within 30 days of the crash than average-weight people. Morbidly obese people had a much higher fatality rate or 56 percent.

The increased fatality rate has much to do with an overweight person’s ability to recover from injuries sustained from a car crash, according to the study that will be published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.

As a North Charleston car accident attorney, I don’t find the findings too surprising. Obese people often have a more difficult time recovering from various surgeries and operations. It is sad to me, however, that the rates are so high. I always urge drivers to wear their seatbelts and practice safe driving techniques to avoid car accidents.