Police have warned staff to remove lanyards prior to driving after “a couple of serious traffic accidents”.
Dorset Police have issued a stark warning to staff around the dangers of wearing lanyards while driving.
The warning came on social media after the force claimed it had seen “a couple of serious traffic accidents” involving lanyards which left drivers seriously injured.
In a statement on social media, Dorset Police 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 hospital treatment required.
“Had the person not been wearing their lanyard and pass at the time, they would have most likely walked away relatively unscathed.
The post went on to say: “In another accident, an 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 6 weeks and she has been off work now for 6 months.
The post concludes adds that breakaway lanyards may help to mitigate this risk but the complete removal of lanyards is prefered.