In winter a parked car turns into a refrigerator. You obviously want to ride in it with a warm jacket. But this is something that must be avoided, experts say.
Thick jackets are popular in winter, not always just outdoors. Cars parked outdoors turn into iceboxes when temperatures are low and below freezing.
Now he has ADAC However, accident tests have shown that anyone wearing a jacket in the car exposes themselves to a danger that should not be underestimated. The club writes: “Whoever gets behind the wheel with a thick winter coat or down jacket not only limits their mobility behind the wheel, but also endangers their safety because the seat belt does not fit optimally.”
Anyone who brakes in a car wearing a heavy jacket risks serious injury
To prove this, the traffic club subjected crash test dummies wearing thickly padded winter clothing to various crash simulations. The braking occurred at 16 km/h, a typical speed, according to experts, in the event of a rear-end collision in city traffic.
Conclusion: After the impact, deep cuts were found in the abdomen of both children’s dolls and adult pacifiers. According to the ADAC, this could cause serious soft tissue injuries.
The reason is even understandable: you simply don’t think about it in everyday life. Experts explain that the thick padding of winter clothing causes seat belts to have too much room for the body. And that’s not all: in particularly unfavorable cases, the driver pushes the cross belt across the abdominal area. It is usually found on the hip bones in adults and on the thighs in children, provided they are fastened properly.
Now there may be situations where the car is simply too cold and doesn’t heat up quickly enough to take off thick clothing. The ADAC therefore recommends lifting the jacket and passing the belt over the trousers or opening the jacket. For children, a blanket can help with this. This of course should be thrown over the belt.
Hats, scarves, boots and gloves must be removed
The club also extends the alert to boots, hats and scarves. While thick winter shoes make it difficult to get the right feel on the pedals, experts say scarves and hats can obstruct your vision. It goes without saying why you shouldn’t drive with lined gloves or even mittens, but the ADAC warns that accessories can compromise your firm grip on the steering wheel.
What are the safety risks associated with wearing winter clothing while driving?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Anna Krüger, Automotive Safety Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Krüger! Thank you for joining us today to discuss an important yet often overlooked issue: the dangers of wearing thick winter jackets while driving.
Dr. Krüger: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to raise awareness about this topic, especially as winter approaches.
Editor: Absolutely. So, to start off, can you explain what happens to a parked car in winter temperatures?
Dr. Krüger: Certainly! When temperatures drop below freezing, cars can become incredibly cold inside—essentially turning into iceboxes. This is a familiar scenario for many drivers, and it naturally leads to the instinct to bundle up in thick jackets before getting behind the wheel.
Editor: Right, and who doesn’t want to stay warm? However, you’ve mentioned that wearing those thick jackets can significantly impact safety. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Krüger: Definitely. Research from the ADAC indicates that wearing heavy winter clothing such as down jackets while driving can compromise seatbelt effectiveness. The extra padding creates too much space between the passenger and the seatbelt, which can lead to serious injuries in the event of a crash.
Editor: That’s alarming! So, how does this padding affect the way seatbelts function in an accident scenario?
Dr. Krüger: The thick padding of winter jackets can cause the seatbelt to fit improperly. In crash tests conducted by the ADAC, it was observed that during a rear-end collision at a speed of just 16 km/h, the seatbelt didn’t secure the passenger effectively. This resulted in deep cuts on the crash test dummies’ abdomen, indicating the potential for significant soft tissue injuries.
Editor: What about children? Are they at a greater risk with this issue?
Dr. Krüger: Yes, they are particularly vulnerable. For children, the seatbelt should ideally rest on the hip bones. When wearing thick clothing, the seatbelt tends to slide up to their abdomen, which is not only uncomfortable but poses greater risks during a crash. The incorrect positioning can lead to severe injuries due to force distribution during impact.
Editor: That’s a critical point to consider. Given this information, what do you advise drivers to do during the colder months?
Dr. Krüger: My recommendation is to prioritize safety over warmth while driving. The ADAC suggests taking off heavy jackets before getting behind the wheel and instead using thinner layers that provide warmth without compromising seatbelt fit. If you must wear a thicker jacket for a brief moment before your car warms up, it’s better to keep it off during driving and use blankets instead.
Editor: Practical advice indeed. In your experience, how can we encourage drivers to think about this issue more seriously?
Dr. Krüger: Education is key. Awareness campaigns can help inform the public about the risks associated with winter clothing while driving. Additionally, automakers could consider integrating warning systems or reminders about proper seatbelt use in their vehicles.
Editor: Great ideas, Dr. Krüger! Thank you for shedding light on this important topic. It’s a crucial reminder that in the hustle and bustle of everyday life—especially during the winter months—safety should always come first.
Dr. Krüger: Thank you for having me! I hope this conversation encourages everyone to think about their driving habits and choices during winter. Stay warm and drive safely!
Editor: That concludes our interview. Thank you for joining us at Time.news!