Hopefully, you will never be involved in a car accident; however, it is wise to be ready for such events. Whiplash, a common injury in car collisions, is the swift backward and forward movement of someone’s head during a car accident, especially common in a rear-end collision. The soft tissues in the neck, including muscles, nerves, and ligaments are strained and damaged due to the whiplash effect caused by the sudden stretching of the neck. The symptoms can last a while and include persistent pain, as well as a lack of mobility. Whiplash has been known to take place at crash speeds from 10-25 mph.

Fortunately, vehicles are becoming better equipped to deal with whiplash as constant testing and engineering take place. Here are a few simple ways to minimize your risk of whiplash.

Always Adjust Your Head Restraint

To protect yourself from whiplash in the unfortunate case of a collision, make sure that your head restraint is properly positioned when seated and driving in the vehicle.

The top of the restraint needs to be at the level of the top of your ears. It is even better if it reaches the top of your head. It also should be at least 3 inches from the back of your head.

Too much distance between your head and the restraint won’t help, and if the headrest is too low or too high, it increases the risk of injury.

Sit Upright and Wear Your Seat Belt

Make sure that your seat is upright and you sit facing forward. The head restraint will be of no help if you are leaning to one side when impact occurs. The seatbelt helps you to stay in the best position during a crash, as well as preventing worse injury.

Don’t Drive Too Close

Leave a safe distance between the car ahead of you and yourself. If it stops suddenly for any reason, you won’t need to slam on your brakes, surprising the drivers following you. Leave plenty of room for everyone’s safety.

Position Yourself for a Crash

If you realize that a collision is imminent, lean your head back on the head restraint, look forward, and remain in a neutral position. This will help to avoid whiplash.

Keep Fit

Believe it or not, being in good shape helps to prevent whiplash in an accident. Apparently, people who are fit generally seem to heal quicker from whiplash.

Drive a Big Car

A bigger vehicle lessens the momentum in a collision (e.g. Volkswagen Tiguan). Modern vehicles are coming out with whiplash-protection seats, which dampen the effects of being rear ended. So, if your budget allows, keep this in mind when choosing your next vehicle.

Hopefully these tips will help you prevent whiplash in the unfortunate case of a car accident. If, however, you are in a collision and get whiplash, get diagnosed as soon as possible. Allow the medical professionals to advise you on the best treatment for a speedy recovery.

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