Toughened Glass Windscreen Injuries in Car Occupants

摘要

It is shown that head injuries in car occupants caused by toughened glass windscreens occur as a result of three different mechanisms. Firstly by glass particles striking the face of the occupant from a windscreen shattered by the impact of vehicle collision. These injuries are usually minor. Secondly by the head of the occupant shattering the windscreen. These injuries also are usually minor, although mild concussion may occur. Thirdly by the head of the occupant impacting on the retained fragments olf glass in the windscreen surround. These injuries are usually moderately severe. The majority of toughened glass head injuries seen were of a very minor nature and most of the moderately severe and severe glass injuries seen were caused or probably caused by the head striking remnants of glass retained in the windscreen surround. It is suggested that the risk of the head impacting on glass fragments in the windscreen surround might be lessened if the surround was recessed. (Author)