2.5 million rear-end collisions each year in the USA. One in every three auto accidents is a rear-end collision. THINK ABOUT IT! Unless you engage in a high physical risk occupation, or play a contact sport, your highest probability of getting PHYSICALLY INJURED is whiplash from a rear-ender. I’ve been rear-ended 3 times in the past. I’ve had multiple, multiple patients over the years who have been involved in 3 or more of these!

In this brief post we will look at a few ways to minimize your injury if you do get hit from behind. And if you do happen to get hurt in a scenario like this - see us first! Your car insurance will cover your care, and we have nearly 4 decades of experience in helping folks get better from whiplash injuries.

Things That Increase Severity of Whiplash Injury in Rear-End Collisions:

• Caught unaware

• Foot not on brake

• Head turned

• low headrest

• large gap between headrest and back of head

What Can We Do?

• Whenever you are decelerating, coming to a stop, or stopped in traffic, keep one eye in the rear-view mirror. If you see that the car behind you is not stopping, press your head back firmly against the headrest. If you are struck, this will stop your head from flying backwards, eliminating at least 50% of the potential for neck and back injury.

• Once you have come to a stop, keep your foot firmly on the brake. If you are struck from behind, this will minimize the way your vehicle lunges forward, lessening the whiplash effect.

• When you come to a stop in traffic, don’t turn your head to talk to passengers or fumble around for things in the car. Not only will this reduce your awareness of what’s going on behind and prevent you from bracing your head ( as described above), it has also been shown that even a small amount of head rotation relative to the shoulders will increase the injury in a whiplash event.

  Headrest

The picture above shows the ideal relationship between your headrest and your head. It should be high enough to reach the top of your head, and tilted forward enough to minimize or eliminate any gap between the back of your head and the cushion. Most cars these days can be adjusted accordingly.

While rear-end collisions and the resultant whiplash injuries can’t be fully prevented, using the ideas provided here will lessen the injurious nature of the collision and could make the difference between a minimally strained neck, and a major injury involving ligament and disc damage. Below are the links to 2 of my prior essays on whiplash injuries that explore the subject in additional detail.

On the Level

Protect yourself! Follow the simple guidelines here! If you do get rear-ended or rear-end someone else, or have any other kind of accident, call us first! We have the best advice and care process going for whiplash injuries—ones that can result in a lifetime of pain and suffering if not handled properly!

Until next time, buckle up, and…

Blessings to you!