Lubbock Man Accidentally Runs Himself Over While Fleeing From Police

A man in Lubbock was arrested after he led police on a chase. At one point, he attempted to exit his vehicle while it was still moving, accidentally getting run over in the process. This begs the question: How much pressure does it actually take to break bones in your leg?

Benito Rivera Arrested in Lubbock

In the early morning hours on May 18, Lubbock Police attempted to conduct a routine traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 52-year-old Benito Rivera. This was when Rivera ignored the order to pull over and instead accelerated, engaging in a police pursuit.

At one point, Rivera was seen drifting off the road and onto a sidewalk near 28th Street and Avenue N. Pursuing officers witnessed Rivera exit his vehicle as it was still moving. He lost his footing and slipped underneath, getting run over by his own car before it struck a utility pole down the path.

Rivera was sent to University Medical Center after suffering moderate injuries. He was then charged with one count of evading arrest and one count of evading arrest with a vehicle. Following the medical examinations, Rivera was then transported to the Lubbock County Detention Center.

How Much Force Does it Take to Break Your Leg?

According to Healthing.ca, it takes roughly 2,500 pounds of force to break the tibia (shin bone) — second-largest bone in the body.

This is why injuries resulting from car collisions are so serious. The average weight of a midsize sedan is roughly 3,300 pounds, while even the smaller compact cars can exceed 2,600 pounds.

Of course, every body is different. Age, overall health, and the angle of the impact are all factors that determine whether a bone will break under the same force or not.

For instance, our bones become more brittle the older we get. Also, diets rich in calcium and Vitamin D can strengthen bones, making them far less at risk for getting damaged.

For more factors, common causes of broken bones, and the difference between the main bones in your legs, visit the Healthing.ca website.