What injury can occur to individuals who wear their shoulder belt under their arm during a collision?

Wearing a shoulder belt under the arm can significantly increase the risk of serious injury in the event of a collision. This positioning does not allow the seat belt to distribute the force of impact across the stronger parts of the body, such as the chest and shoulders, which is its intended design. Instead, when the shoulder belt is placed under the arm, it can lead to direct trauma to critical internal organs during a crash.

One of the most severe consequences of this improper use of the seat belt is the potential for a separated aorta from the heart. The aorta, being the main artery that carries blood away from the heart, is vital for circulation. In a crash, if the shoulder belt is positioned incorrectly, the force can place excessive stress on the aortic arch, potentially causing it to tear or separate from the heart. This is a life-threatening injury that can result in massive internal bleeding and is often fatal if immediate medical attention is not received.

The other injuries listed, such as broken ribs, neck injuries, or head injuries, while possible with improper seat belt use, do not carry the same immediate risk of fatality as the severing of the aorta. Therefore, the emphasis on the severity of the separated aorta underscores the importance