Most passengers on a long distance trip are guilty of this - reclining their seats partially or fully in order to enjoy a short nap. But a new study shows that these passengers may have a dramatically higher risk of injuries during an accident. In fact, regular safety features like seatbelts and airbags may not be as effective in preventing injuries in these passengers.

Researchers have found that passengers who are in reclining seats during an accident not only had a higher risk of injuries, but they also had a similar pattern of injuries. These passengers most often suffered from head injuries when their heads snapped forward from impact. They also suffered from spinal cord injuries and spinal fractures. Leg injuries occurred when the legs moved in with great force into the dashboard.

Researchers considered the pattern of these injuries around the country, and found that these were similar nationwide. Overall, passengers in partially reclining seats had their risk of death in an accident increase by 15%. Those in a fully reclined seat had their risk of death increase by almost 70%. The researchers are unanimous - passengers in the reclining seats have minimal protection from seatbelts and airbags.

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety confirms these findings. According to the Institute, it conducts most of its safety tests only on passengers and drivers who are seated upright. No safety tests are conducted on passengers who are in an inclined position. That means there is no way of knowing whether the seatbelts and airbags have any efficacy at all when it comes to protecting passengers in a reclining position.

Las Vegas personal injury lawyers find it disconcerting how so many passengers seem to be unaware of this danger. Most of us don't think twice before reclining the seat for a nap. It's important to understand that if there is an accident, your chances of suffering serious injury or death are as low as someone who's not buckled in.