Prevent Whiplash in a Car Accident
Whiplash occurs when you experience severe strain and injury to the neck. This type of injury is fairly common in automobile accidents where there is a rear end crash. The amount of force delivered to your neck from the accident can be as much as five times more than the force of the collision. Taking the necessary precautions to learn how to prevent whiplash in a car accident can help keep you safe and free from major injury.
Contents
Steps
- Purchase a safe and reliable car. Research the rear end crash ratings of different cars. Cars that have superior crash ratings are better able to prevent whiplash if you are ever involved in a car accident.
- Adjust the headrest in your vehicle. The headrest should sit directly behind your head while you are driving. Proper headrest position will prevent your head from being jerked in an unnatural position and reduce strain from being tossed back and forth. A properly adjusted headrest will be as close as possible to the back of your head as you can comfortably stand. The headrest should reach the top of your ears.
- Wear a seat belt. Consistent seat belt use can help prevent you from suffering from whiplash if you are in a car accident. Seat belts help keep you safe upon impact by reducing jarring and strain and can keep you from becoming a flying projectile if your car is ever hit.
- Drive cautiously and safely. Defensive driving can lower the chances of you becoming a car crash victim. According to statistics there are over 125,000 whiplash injuries per year from car accidents.
Tips
- Always base your car purchasing decision off of what vehicle is the safest for you. Cars that are flashy do not always have the best or safest rear end car crash ratings.
Warnings
- Never drive a car without having your seat belt on and properly adjusted. The seat belt is there to keep your body from sustaining injury in the event of a car accident.
- See your doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you feel fine. You may experience whiplash symptoms immediately after an accident or they may present themselves within a few days after the incident. If you have been involved in a car accident then it is best if you know how to recognize the symptoms of whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash include pain in the neck, stiffness, soreness and strain of the neck muscles, headaches, dizziness and odd feelings of burning or pin needles. Some additional symptoms of whiplash that may seem unrelated to your accident include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, moodiness such as more irritability and nervousness than usual, disturbance in sleep pattern and depression.
