Dr. John Dunham States, orthopedic surgeon and auto safety pioneer, dies at 89

John Dunham States, MD, a Rochester orthopedic surgeon and devoted car safety advocate and pioneer, has passed away at 89. Dr. States taught at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, served as chief of orthopedics at Rochester General Hospital and was one of the first track physicians at Watkins Glen International, according to a Democrat & Chronicle report.

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In addition to his work as a physician, Dr. States shared a passion for cars. His research into the effects of motor vehicle accidents on the body was an impetus for the state of New York to pass the nation’s first seatbelt laws, earning him the nickname “Dr. Seatbelt.”

 

“He recognized there was a disconnect going on,” said Dr. State’s daughter, Becky States, to the Deomocrat & Chronicle. “There had to be a way to build cars that would crash without creating such devastating injuries.”

 

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