Police warn motorists not to wear lanyards while driving in case of a crash This is why you should remove your lanyard before getting behind the wheel

Wearing a lanyard while driving can make car crash injuries much worse, police have warned.

Following reports of serious injuries involving people behind the wheel wearing lanyards, a police force has spoken out on the issue and detailed some of the accidents encountered.

What could happen if I wear a lanyard while driving and crash?

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said, “This type of accident, fortunately, is unlikely.

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“One driver was involved in a minor car accident and was wearing their company lanyard and pass.

“The car airbag was deployed on impact and the force of the airbag caused the lanyard and pass to be pushed into the driver’s chest, causing a lung to collapse.

“Had the person not been wearing their lanyard and pass at the time, they would have most likely walked away relatively unscathed.

“In another accident, a NHS worker stored a lot of keys on her lanyard for medicine cabinets and lockers.

“She got into her car and was driving home, but did not remove her lanyard. Unfortunately, she also had a crash that triggered the airbag.

“The force of the airbag caused the keys to perforate her bowel – she was in hospital for more than six weeks and she has been off work now for six months.”