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Obese Drivers at High Risk in Cars

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The theory is that overweight individuals have more medical issues and complications, such as heart disease and diabetes, and may be less able to pull through difficult surgeries following a car crash. In addition, proper seat belt fit for optimal restraint in the event of a crash is much more difficult for an obese person.

The study’s researchers note that crash-test dummies only represent non-obese drivers and urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to consider modifying the crash-test dummies to be more consistent with the wide range of drivers’ weights. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35.7% of the population is obese.

Don’t get too aggressive with your workout routine, however. Underweight individuals (with a body mass index under 18.5) are at higher risk for death in car crashes as well. In a crash, they might have additional health complications due to their low weight, and they lack extra padding to help absorb the force of impact.

Maybe just one cupcake would be OK.

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Senior Editor
Kristin Varela

Former Senior Family Editor Kristin Varela blends work and family life by driving her three tween-teen girls every which way in test cars.

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