That seems to be the latest findings from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). According to its members, they're seeing a rise in the number of ankle and foot injuries from patients surviving such accidents.
Why? According to a report by the federal government, of the over 17,600 people injured yearly in auto accidents, a third suffer injuries to their lower extremities (i.e., hips, legs, etc.). Seatbelts and air bags have reduced the number of upper body injuries, therefore swinging the ratio towards lower body ailments.
"A decade ago, these patients would have died from head trauma or other upper body injuries," says James L. Thomas, DPM, FACFAS, and President of the ACFAS. "Now, thanks to seat belts and air bags, they survive."
Our take? Though we've heard of no major automaker working on some sort of ankle or food protection, we will not be surprised when the first prototypes are released. With several of us involved in accidents (none fatal), we're strong advocates to both active and passive protection systems.
Via Auto News