The Best Ways To Help Prevent Whiplash

The term "whiplash" is used to describe a neck injury, usually caused by a sudden and unexpected movement of the neck. This results in a stretching of the soft tissue in the spine and undue strain. Most commonly the injury occurs in car crashes after sudden deceleration, usually as a result of an impact from the rear.





This general term covers a variety of injuries and was responsible for some 430,000 claims on insurance in 2007 (75% of the UK's motor insurance claims), thereby accounting for 14% of every driver's premium, with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) revealing that claims of this type are worth £2bn a year. Prevention is the best cure, so in order to avoid this painful injury there are four simple things that can be done to greatly reduce injury.





Ensure that your headrest is set at a proper height for you. A correctly adjusted headrest reduces the risk of whiplash injury by 25%. A headrest is designed to limit the movement of your head in case of a sudden impact and thus prevent your neck from stretching outside of its usual comfort zone. Check that the height of the head restraint is adjusted so that it is level with the top of your head. Furthermore, position the head restraint as close to your head as possible, the closer the better. Once you are satisfied it is set at the best position for you lock it into place.

Buckle up, as seatbelts help keep your body safely in place and are responsible for roughly a 60% drop in fatalities during an accident. A seatbelt will prevent your body from jerking forward and it will help prevent you from not only whiplash, but also more serious injuries.





If possible check the whiplash prevention systems of your car prior to buying. It is well worth reading Consumer Reports and the results of in-depth tests on a vehicle’s crash safety. Not all vehicles address passenger safety to the same levels. Saab's reputation for safety is based on innovations such as the head restraint; it was the first car maker to introduce this safety feature.





Drive sensibly and ensure that you are a safe distance away from the car in front of you. Two seconds is the general rule of thumb, which is doubled to four during bad road conditions such as rain. Most whiplash injuries are caused by unexpected impacts so drive aware and at a safe distance from other vehicles, leaving you with enough time to react to the unforeseen.





Car accidents can cause a whole host of problems such as damage to your car or the need for a windscreen repair, however these tips should help keep you safe and reduce the potential of a painful whiplash injury befalling you.