Seat Belts

[Kelly17]

I am a 23 year old female with LOBPI. I don't know much about it because my doctors and parents don't really have any information and I've always had the thought that that my arm was injured so I just have to deal with it. I did not know there were other people out there who were sharing their struggles and joys. I recently found this site and have spent so many hour reading the message boards already. I have been so encouraged.

Like everyone else with BPI I have learned to adapt to everything from tying my shoes to learning how to drive. I have found that wearing the seatbelt strap across my injured shoulder restricts the movement of my arm to the point that I cannot easily reach the wheel. Because of this I wear my seatbelt strap under my arm but still across my chest. A couple of week ago I got pulled over and received a ticket for not wearing my seatbelt even though I was wearing it under my arm.

I am very supportive of seatbelt usage but I feel unsafe when I wear my seatbelt over my shoulder. I am going to court on Friday to fight the ticket. I would love any suggestions or support you have. Thank you so much for all this group does.

Kelly

[F-Litz]

Kelly - wow- what an opportunity to educate them!

How about wearing a no sleeve top or a sports bra under your shirt that you can remove. Give the judge a tour of your limitations. Show them how much shorter your arm is, too.

I do hope you get your moment to argue the point and I know you will do well. update us ok?

I'll be routing for you!
-francine

[katep]

Are shoulder/lap seatbelts really required where you live? If you could legally drive a car with just a lap belt, I don't see how they can cite you for how you had the seatbelt on.

Kate

[RobertRacer]

I've been pulled over a couple of times for not wearing or wearing my seatbelt under the armpit and they cant see it before pulling me over. I've just explained that it causes me pain and is more dangerous for a minimal impact accident even due to my injury. I show a couple of scars and explain and they've always let me go. Shouldnt be hard to explain to a judge. Its just more difficult and more dangerous for us to wear it "normally"

[LeeAnneB]

Have any of you been in an accident when the seat belt locks up. I would think this would be dangerous also causing injury to the armppit and shoulder. Just wondering.

Also Kelly, I'm glad you found these boards and are learning. My 12 year old daughter has a LOBPI. I was born and raised in Lexington, KY. and have family in Richmond and Nicholasville. Good Luck!

[RobertRacer]

Most modern vehicles have airbags that do a lot of the preventative work in a forward accident. Even still airbags are often the cause of minor injuries, as are seat belts in accidents that are severe enough to require them to lock. The seatbelt can break the collarbone and bruise or damgage the chest and sternum anyway. If you put the chest strap under the arm, but still up on the chest, I'd be willing to do so personally. I think the opportunity is much greater to reinjure the collarbone and brachial plexus, in anything from minor to severe accidents with it applied normally. Just my personal opinion. I'll continue to do it that way.

[swhite1]

Hi Kelly. I have a LTBPI. I also have a seat belt adjuster.
It's a clip that secures to the lap belt and is always there. You clip the shoulder belt on it then slide the clip to adjust where the shoulder strap rests.
It's a cheap fix from any auto parts place and well worth it.
Try http://ubpn.org/messageboard/forum. ... 72&start=0
One of those little things that help in a big way.
Scott
ps http://www.freerice.com it's free, fun and helps in an amazing way.