Whiplash is one of the most common accidents caused as a result of a car accident. In most cases, the effects fade after a few weeks or months, but in some situations, symptoms can go on for much longer, causing pain and distress over the long term.
Luckily there are ways that you can mitigate or avoid the effects of whiplash. Read on to find out our top tips for driving safer and pain-free.
Safety Features In Cars
Your headrest or restraint is not just to give your neck a rest. In fact, it is one of the most effective ways of preventing whiplash. However, many people have them at heights that can, in fact, make it worse. At the very least, your headrest should come to just above your ears. If possible though, it is far better to have the tops of your headrest be an inch or two above the top of your head entirely.
The same guideline should be followed for passengers in the back seat also. Unfortunately, many cars have non-adjustable headrests in the back. It is something to keep an eye out for if you are purchasing a new car.
A headrest that is too low can actually exacerbate the severity of whiplash cases. If your headrest sits at the back of your neck, it will make the motion of that whiplash more intense.
In newer car models you can find active headrests or even self-aligning headrests. These carefully crafted pieces of car kit act similarly to an airbag. When they sense the car has been in a collision, the headrest automatically moves to the best position to prevent whiplash. It’s a relatively new invention, so you are most likely to find it in new and higher-end car models.
Driving Techniques
Unfortunately, you can’t always plan for other people’s poor driving skill, but there are some things you can do to mitigate the risk of finding yourself in a whiplash-inducing situation
Don’t tailgate! This is a horrible road habit and does nobody any good. If you are tailgating then not only will you be the cause of someone else whiplash but the creator of your own. ~keep a safe distance from other cars. If you find yourself being tailgated, consider pulling over to let Terry the terrible tailgater pass.
If you hear the dreaded shriek and squeal of a car coming too close to you prepare for the impact by looking forward, sitting straight up and leaning into your headrest to help stop being thrown forward and backwards.
Aftercare
Even with all the precautions and preparation in the world accidents can still happen. If you do find yourself with a case of whiplash, here are some steps you can take to make it better.
As we said before, most cases of whiplash will clear up by themselves. You can help make yourself more comfortable by using hot and cold compresses on the affected area. Over the counter pain medication will also help take the sting out of things. Advice is a bit contradictory on whether you should keep moving or not. A quick google and you will see a lot of places tell you to rest but keep active. Not exactly the clearest advice in the world! Our interpretation is to not confine yourself to bed but try and keep movements that actively hurt to a minimum.
For more severe cases of whiplash, you may want to consider seeking compensation from a trusted solicitor such as Thompsons Scotland. The reason for trying to get damages is because treating long term issues can be costly. Regular physio sessions are often needed to combat the effect of whiplash. Other options can include special painkilling injections, massage therapy or even chiropractic intervention. Whiplash can leave more than physical scars; the mental trauma that goes along with it should not be discounted either. If you find yourself suffering from nerves or flashbacks when you get back behind the wheel, you may want to seek professional advice from a counsellor or psychotherapist.
With these tips, we hope you are prepared to deal with Whiplash and even prevent it. Safe driving, and remember, whatever you do, don’t tailgate!
Facebook Comments