Whiplash is a neck injury resulting from the sudden distortion of the neck. It may not be surprising for Ontario residents to learn that the most common cause of whiplash is rear-end traffic collisions. Despite this, there are ways for both drivers and passengers to reduce their risk of whiplash.
On behalf of Joseph Caprara of CBLAW posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, February 19, 2015.
Whiplash is a neck injury resulting from the sudden distortion of the neck. It may not be surprising for Ontario residents to learn that the most common cause of whiplash is rear-end traffic collisions. Despite this, there are ways for both drivers and passengers to reduce their risk of whiplash.
The most effective methods for reducing the risk of neck injury is having well-designed headrests and using them properly. According to research, vehicles with well-engineered headrests or head restraints provide a 24 to 44 percent reduction in injuries resulting from rear-end crashes.
Many types of headrests exist, ranging from a traditional seat to a reactive restraint. A traditional seat has an adjustable or fixed headrest without anti-whiplash technology, and a reactive seat features whiplash technology so that the seat and headrest absorb the impact of an accident. A reactive head restraint moves during a rear-end crash, reacting to the user’s weight, and a proactive head restraint moves when crash sensors on or within the vehicle are activated at the first impact of a crash. The Whiplash Prevention Campaign and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provide ratings for headrests.
In addition to having well-engineered headrests, drivers and passengers need to have them positioned properly. Headrests that are positioned too far away or too low are not as effective, finds the IIHS. Head restraints should be level with the top of the user’s head or ears and sit no more than 2 inches away from the back of the user’s head.
Whiplash injuries range in severity from mild pain and minor soft tissue tears to nerve damage and ligament ruptures. Ontario drivers and passengers injured in car accidents may be able to recover certain damages whether or not they were at fault.