Definition. - Whiplash is an acute injury of at least moderate intensity which causes a strain to the bones, muscles, nerves, tendons, and vertebral discs of the neck region. It is caused by a sudden, unexpected impact which jerks the head back and then forward causing the neck to snap out of alignment.
Where could it Happen?
· Stopped at the traffic light. Traffic Jam
· Sports . – Rugby, Judo, Karate, Boxing or Roller Coaster
What are the symptoms?
· Headaches / Migraines
· Stiffness, neck pain
· Dizziness (nausea/vomiting)
· Problems thinking or remembering
· Numbness & tingling (arms, face, shoulders)
· Jaw pain, low back pain, hip pain, Impaired vision
What is a Potential Outcome?
Note misalignment of vertebral discs after suffering from a whiplash injury…
What Happens to the Driver?
What happens during a rear end collision if:
· Head restraint
· Seat position
· Seat belt height and are not adjusted correctly?
· Body moves up (depending in angle of backrest and position of seat belt adjustor)
· Head jerks back…Pushing the head restraint down.
What Are The Facts?
Even low speed accidents can cause significant injuries depending on where and how hard your car got hit, your position in the car, the position of your head, type of seat,
position of the headrest, your pre accident medical condition and other things.
Only 12% of persons who suffer from whiplash are symptom free after 10 years.
How Can It Be Prevented?
Ensure that the top of the head restraint is as high as the top of your head Position the head restraint as close to the rear of your head as possible.
Examples of Properly & Poorly Adjusted Head Restraints
This picture - A shows a well adjusted head restraints,
The picture – B shows a poorly adjusted head restraint.
How Can It Be Prevented?
Adjust your seat position.
First, the driver’s back should be flat against the back of the seat with the ....... squarely tucked into the corner created at the intersection of the seat back and bottom. The underside of the legs should be in contact with the seat bottom. The purpose of this position is to provide as much surface contact between the driver’s body and the seat. This has safety benefits as well as providing the driver with the most tactile feedback as possible.
Second is the arm position. The arms when fully extended should allow the wrists to rest at the top of the steering wheel. This allows the arms to be slightly bent at the elbow when fully extended for a turn. The purpose of this position is to prevent the arms from being overextended during turns (the shoulders should not need to lift from the seat back even to do a full arm crossover). Overextending the arms will cause them to tire quickly, and will cause the driver to lose sensitivity to the vibrations in the steering wheel.
Third is the leg position. When any of the pedals are fully depressed with the ball of the foot on the pedal (not the toes), the leg should still be bent at the knee. This is to prevent overextension as described for the arms. Be sure that the knees are not against the under dash or steering column. In fact, there should be several inches room to prevent injury in event of a collision.
How Can It Be Prevented?
Adjust the head restraint, not only in your own car
Adjust seat position
Check seat belt adjuster position
Leave plenty of space (escape route) if you are the last car in the traffic jam. Closely observe oncoming traffic in rear view mirror.
Look up safety ratings before you buying your next car.