SNAKESTRAP™ versus Bungee
SNAKESTRAP™ DLX Anchor features a redesigned failure point to eliminate the dangerous metal hook snap-back effect.
“According to Duke University’s Safety Division, bungee cords have caused permanent eye damage in household use. Eye care experts warn that cords can recoil at speeds up to 200 mph, leading to traumatic cataracts and retinal detachment.
Bungee cords are a leading cause of severe and penetrating eye injuries in both workplace and home environments.
High-velocity recoil (up to 200 mph / 74 m/s) makes injuries catastrophic, often requiring surgery and sometimes resulting in permanent blindness.
Over half of ER cases required hospitalization, showing the seriousness of these injuries.
Safer alternatives (like redesigned straps) are strongly recommended by occupational safety divisions and ophthalmologists.
Bungee Butternut Squash Safety Snapback Demonstration
5 pound butternut squash, similar in nature to a human head whereas the rind is harder than skin and the squash flesh is similar to human flesh
Bungee: 13" typical hardware store bungee - $14 for assortment pack of various sizes
Equipment: 1,000 lb Crane Scale and 2,500 lb Electric Winch test apparatus for pull testing and measuring load force
Test: Affix bungee to winch hook, tare to zero, pull to failure, record result
Result: Bungee punctured the butternut squash on the left, leaving a 1/2" deep gouge a quarter size round on the right and an oblong puncture of similar detail on the left
Conclusion: Bungees are dangerous and cause damage to human flesh
Duke University Safety Alert – Bungee Cord Hazard https://www.safety.duke.edu/sites/default/files/BungeeCordHazardAlert.pdf
Aker Eye Vision Source – Bungee Cords Are a Leading Cause of Serious Eye Injuries https://visionsource-akereyecenter.com/2014/05/26/bungee-cords-are-a-leading-cause-of-serious-eye-injuries/
CEENTA – How Can Bungee Cords Damage Your Eye
https://www.ceenta.com/news-blog/how-can-bungee-cords-damage-your-eye
Safer Than Bungee Cords — Without the Risk
Problem with Bungee Cords
• Sudden super fast recoil can cause serious injuries, including permanent vision loss
• Metal hooks and overstretching create unpredictable hazards
• Commonly misused due to their convenience
SNAKESTRAP™ Safer Solution
• No recoil risk: designed to eliminate snap-back injuries
• Secure, controlled tension: holds gear firmly without overstretching
• Hook-free or enclosed connectors: no exposed metal ends
• One-hand operation: just as easy to use, without the danger
Duke University
Duke University’s Occupational Hygiene and Safety Division issued a hazard alert after employees suffered severe eye injuries while using bungee cords to secure household and workplace items. The report notes permanent eye damage and recommends replacing bungees with safer alternatives such as low-stretch straps.
Aker Eye Vision Source (Florida)
Eye care specialists report that *bungee cords are a leading cause of serious eye injuries*. Household scenarios include tying down cargo on cars or securing odd-shaped items. Hooks can slip or break, striking the eye at speeds up to *200 miles per hour*. Documented injuries include bleeding inside the eye, traumatic cataracts, retinal detachment, and even complete blindness. Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Associates
CEENTA
ophthalmologists describe multiple cases of devastating bungee cord injuries during common household tasks like moving furniture. Injuries included corneal abrasions, dislocated cataracts, intraocular hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. Some patients required emergency surgery to save vision. The report emphasizes that bungee cord injuries are “common and potentially devastating”
Why This Matters for Household Use
Most injuries occur during everyday tasks like tying down cargo, securing furniture, or restraining items in garages and vehicles.
Severity: Injuries range from minor abrasions to permanent blindness.
Hidden danger: The sudden recoil of elastic cords and attached metal hooks make them unpredictable and unsafe, especially in family environments.
KEY SAFETY RESEARCH ON BUNGEE EYE INJURIES
Reported Incidents / Studies
Common Injuries & Severity Long-Term Outcomes
Source: Workplace (Duke University case reports)
Multiple employees injured while securing carts with bungees. Severe eye trauma including retinal damage, hyphema (blood in eye), permanent vision loss. Missed workdays, permanent eye damage.
Duke University:
Reports workplace (Literature review, 67 patients)
67 cases of ocular trauma from bungee cords.
Hyphema (63%), commotio retinae (55%), eyelid edema (60%)31% required surgery; many left with permanent visual limitations.
Home/General Use (CEENTA case study)
Patient struck in eye while moving furniture
Corneal abrasion, traumatic cataract, intraocular hemorrhage, retinal detachment.
Required multiple surgeries; permanent pupil dilation and glaucoma.
CEENTA case study:
Home/General Use (Gentilly Vision Source)
ER study: >50% of patients with bungee eye injuries required hospitalization. Bleeding inside eye, lacerations, traumatic cataracts, retinal detachment. Some patients lost useful vision; some required eye removal.
Gentilly Vision
Source Home/General Use (Aker Eye Center)
Numerous reported accidents in domestic settings. Eye bleeding, cuts, cataracts, retinal tearing/detachment.
Complete blindness or eye loss in severe cases.