Obese people die more in traffic accidents than people with normal weight , according to a study published in the latest issue of the Emergency Medicine Journal . Based on data from 57,491 fatal traffic accidents recorded over twelve years in the United States, the researchers found that, for vehicles of a similar model and size, the risk of the driver dying increased by 21% if they suffered from severe obesity I, and 51% if they suffered from grade II obesity. For women, the figures increased even more: 36% for obesity I and 75% for obesity grade II.
The authors suggest as a possible explanation that the lower body of obese drivers is propelled more forward on impact before the seat belt reaches the pelvis. In addition, they warn that obese people are more likely to have other secondary health problems that can contribute to their increased risk of dying in the accident.
