As the hot weather continues, drivers are being urged to think twice before wearing a common hair accessory that could prove deadly behind the wheel. Hair claw clips, popular for keeping long hair tidy and cool, have been linked to serious injuries in car accidents, with some victims narrowly escaping death.
The Hidden Dangers of Claw Clips
While convenient, claw clips pose significant risks when driving. Their sharp edges and hard plastic material can cause distractions as drivers adjust them, diverting attention from the road. In the event of a crash, these clips can fly through the air or dig into the back of the driver's head, leading to severe wounds.
Near-Fatal Incident in Derbyshire
On January 24, 2023, Jeena Panesar from Swadlincote, Derbyshire, put her hair up in a claw clip before driving home from work. In thick fog, her car collided with a tree, skidded for 50 meters, and flipped over. The impact threw her against the roof, forcing the clip to become lodged in her head. At the hospital, doctors removed the clip, revealing a 30cm deep cut from her left eyebrow to the back of her head. The injury caused permanent muscle damage and loss of movement in her eyebrow. After three days in hospital, Panesar shared her story on TikTok to warn others.
Another Victim's Ordeal
In March 2023, Paisley Riley suffered a similar accident where a hard plastic claw clip became stuck deep in the back of her head, requiring five staples to close the wound. Her TikTok warning video garnered over 59 million views, sparking a campaign from doctors and accident survivors urging women to avoid stiff clips while in cars.
Highway Code Warning
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must not wear clothing that restricts their movement or interferes with their ability to operate controls properly. Wearing tight clothes or inappropriate accessories can lead to loss of control, resulting in charges of careless or inconsiderate driving, fines up to £5,000, and nine penalty points on your licence.
Safe Alternatives
To stay safe, drivers should remove stiff hair clips and store them in the glove box or cup holder. Instead, opt for soft, stretchy accessories like elastic hair ties or scrunchies when driving.
