1. Chapter 2: Basics of Injury Prevention and Crash Dynamics
National Standardized CPS Certification Training April 2007 – R1010
Chapter 2: Basics of Injury Prevention and Crash Dynamics
Chapter 2: Basics of Injury Prevention and Crash Dynamics

2. Chapter Objectives
Describe significance of motor vehicle crash injuries
Explain the CPS and injury prevention connection
Explain the concept of crash forces
Name the types of crashes
Describe five ways that restraints prevent injury
Explain why people will not survive all crashes
Discuss common myths about why people don’t buckle up

3. Injury Prevention Our goal is to reduce the risk of injury
“If a disease were killing our children at the rate unintentional injuries are, the public would be outraged and demand that this killer be stopped.”
C. Everett Koop, M.D., Sc.D., former US Surgeon General
Our goal is to reduce the risk of injury

4. Injury Prevention
Parents should be a role model: Kids will do what adults do
Children depend on adults for protection in and around vehicles
Buckle up
Drive responsibly

5. Fatalities ... Are just the tip of the iceberg
Many more injuries occur than deaths every year
Some injuries have life-long effects and can be very costly

6. What Are the Challenges to Crash Survival?
Restraint use decreases as children get older

7. What Are the Challenges to Crash Survival?
Nonuse
Misuse
Outdated or incorrect educational materials
Changing behavior

8. Activity 1: How Do You Prevent an Injury From Becoming More Serious
There are factors that can be taken into account before, during, and after a crash to minimize or prevent injuries from occurring.
Examples
Road conditions—Before the crash
Seat belt use—During the crash
EMS Response Time—After the crash

9. Newton’s Law of Motion
An object in motion continues in motion at the original speed until it connects with an outside force.
The outside force…
Can be harmful (e.g., the steering wheel, windshield, pavement, etc.)
Can be designed to protect (e.g., seat belt or CRS)
Video
Courtesy Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

10. Three Collisions in a Crash
1st: Vehicle collision
2nd: Human collision rd: Internal collision
3rd
1st
2nd

11. Explaining Crash Forces
Weight X Speed = Restraining Force

12. Types of Crashes
Different types of collisions pose different risks to vehicle occupants

13. Frontal Impact

14. Side Impact

15. Rear Impact

16. Rollovers

17. Non-Collisions and Other Events
Non-collisions = spins, skids, swerves, emergency braking
Common causes of occupant injuries:
Thrown out of windows or doors
Collided with other occupants
Struck vehicle interior

18. Five Ways Restraints Prevent Injury
Keep people in the vehicle
Contact the strongest parts of the body
Spread forces over a wide area of the body
Help the body to slow down
Protect the brain and spinal cord

19. You Can’t Survive Every Crash
Some crashes are so violent that even properly restrained occupants are injured or killed
Many factors determine injury outcome (size, weight, and speed)
Seat belts and air bags or a CR = The Best Chance of Survival

20. Common Myths
Discuss myths found in your workbook

21. Chapter Review How do you calculate crash forces?
What is the most common type of collision?
What are the 5 ways restraints help prevent or reduce injuries?