Experts warn against wearing thick coats with seat belts

Experts are warning that wearing a thick winter coat while buckled up can significantly increase the risk of injury in a car accident.

Heo Jeong-ho, a traditional Korean medicine practitioner specializing in sports injuries, recently took to social media to repeat his warning: "Do not wear a padded jacket and then put on your seat belt." He said a patient who came to his clinic after a car accident had been wearing a padded coat with a seat belt fastened over it and sustained worse injuries as a result.

"If the seat belt is not snug against your body, its protective function is reduced," Heo added. "Internal abdominal organs can be put at serious risk."

A crash test using mannequins conducted by the German Automobile Club (ADAC) [ADAC]

Crash tests have already confirmed that thick outerwear undermines the protective function of seat belts.

The German Automobile Club conducted a crash test in 2023 using adult and child mannequins dressed in thick winter coats. The mannequins were secured with seat belts in an adult seat and a child car seat, respectively, then subjected to a sudden stop at 16 kilometers per hour to simulate a rear-end collision in an urban setting.

The seat belt dug deep into the abdomen of both the adult and child mannequins. Researchers said this could cause serious damage to internal organs such as the intestines, liver and spleen, and could lead to life-threatening internal bleeding.

The research team said the thick padding created slack that allowed the belt to shift upward, crossing the lower abdomen rather than sitting in its proper position. "Even during sudden braking, this can result in minor injuries," the team said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also advises against using seat belts or child car seats over thick coats, warning that the extra bulk creates a gap between the belt and the body that allows for excessive movement during a collision.

Proper seat belt usage guidelines [Hyundai Motor]

To ensure a seat belt works as intended, experts recommend removing thick outerwear so the belt fits snugly against the body. For adults, the lap belt should lie flat against the pelvis — the body's sturdiest bone — while the shoulder belt should run across the collarbone, not the neck, and rest at the center of the shoulder.

Slipping the shoulder belt under the armpit to avoid discomfort is also dangerous, as it can cause rib fractures or organ damage in a crash. For those concerned about the cold, the recommended approach is to fasten the seat belt first and then drape a coat or blanket over it.

bbo@heraldcorp.com