Could New Seating Designs Reduce The Number Of Whiplash Claims?

Despite the AA's revelations that the UK has the safest roads in Europe and the fewest number of recorded accidents per year, the number of whiplash claims continues to rise, far outstripping the statistics of our European counterparts. With this discrepancy pointing towards an increase in the number of fraudulent and exaggerated whiplash claims in this country, insurers are working together with medical professionals and auto-designers to find ways to reduce the number of claims altogether. A new seating design may see this vision becoming a reality.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash, also known as Whiplash Disorder, is a type of personal injury usually sustained as a result of a rear impact collision. Its name refers to the way the neck and spine mimic the action of a horse whip - a quick, undulating crack set in motion by a sudden crack and then going slack just as quickly. In a rear impact, the weight of the body resists the transfer of kinetic energy and remains relatively motionless. The weight of the head, however, snaps the highly mobile neck forward, overextending the vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues. This action can be repeated in the opposite direction and, if the headrest is not properly positioned, result in further hyperextension and further damage.

The symptoms of whiplash usually manifest within hours of an impact, although they have been known to surface weeks later. They can range from the moderate to the severe, including neck pain, tinnitus and loss of mobility of the head.

Take a (safer) seat

The Lexus CT200h has achieved a five-star rating for all-round safety performance in independent testing conducted by Europe's NCAP. It chalked up scores of 94% for adult occupant protection and 84% for child occupant protection. Part of the car's success relies on new seating designs that utilise Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats.

The WIL seats have been carefully designed to offer more 'give' in the event of a rear impact collision. This yielding action helps to absorb the energy of an impact and reduce the movement that induces whiplash, particularly between the head and torso. In addition, the headrests in this car are designed to sit as close as possible to the occupant's head during normal use. The 'give' in the seats brings the head closer to the headrest during a collision, further reducing the potential for a whiplash injury. The Lexus' seatbelts are also fitted with pre-tensioners that instantly restrain the body during impact. These work in sympathy with dual airbags that are positioned in front of the torso and knees.

These advances have set a new standard for other car manufacturers to emulate. The potential for genuine whiplash is greatly reduced and, as these designs become more and more standard, the potential for fraudulent whiplash claims is also minimised. The insurance industry is more aware than ever of the benefits offered to both the innocent motorist and the cost of motoring offered by car safety. As these improvements are implemented on a greater scale, we may be able to look forward to reductions in the cost of car insurance as the number of whiplash claims is reduced.