POLICE in Dorset have urged drivers not to wear lanyards while behind the wheel as it can make car crash injuries worse.

There have been reports of serious collisions involving lanyards elsewhere in the country, according to the force.

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

"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."