Police Issue Warning Over Dangers Of Driving While Wearing Lanyard

Wearing your work lanyard while driving could cause serious injuries if you're involved in an accident, according to a new police warning.

The caution comes after police in Dorset have been called to a number of accidents where the victims' injuries were made much worse as a result of wearing a work pass around their necks.

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According to the Dorset Police Volunteers, minor car accidents have been worsened by airbags deploying - one driver's ID lanyard was pushed into their chest, collapsing their lung and meaning they had to be admitted to hospital.

Another had to have six months off work and six weeks in hopsital after her keys - which were attached to her lanyard - perforated her bowel after being pushed into her stomach.

In a Facebook post, the force said: "There have been a couple of serious traffic accidents of note (not within Dorset Police) where the wearing of identity lanyards around the drivers' necks has exacerbated the severity of the injuries sustained. This type of accident is fortunately unlikely, however staff, officers and volunteers should be aware of the hazard and how to avoid it.

"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 and requiring hospital treatment. 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, lockers etc. 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 over six weeks and she has been off work now for six months."

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The police have said to make sure to remove any lanyards before embarking on car journeys to and from work. They've also appealed to companies to ensure that staff are given safer versions.

They added: "Where possible, use breakaway lanyards that will unclip themselves if caught or stuck."

Topics: Police, UK News, Health, Cars

Amelia Ward

Amelia is a journalist at LADbible. After studying journalism at Liverpool John Moores and Salford Uni (don't ask), she went into PR and then the world of music. She spent a few years working on festivals and events before joining LADbible. In her spare time, Amelia likes music and spending good, quality time with her cat, Paul. You can contact Amelia at [email protected].

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