How The Manufacturers Are Tackling The Problem Of Whiplash

A report by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has found that around 70% of people involved in road traffic accidents suffer some form of whiplash. However, their research has been unable to find a common link between whiplash and speed, with whiplash injuries being reported in accidents at speeds less than 15 miles per hour.

In addition, they have been unable to make any correlation between whiplash and the make or model of car involved in an accident. This seems to be the fault of the crash test dummies used in crash simulations, which are seemingly unable to reproduce the injuries caused by random accidents. However, car manufacturers are taking steps to minimise the potential for whiplash by adapting certain parts of cars to better effect.

Manufacturers stepping up to the mark to tackle whiplash

The new Accord has stepped up to the mark by featuring new headrests designed to minimise the potential for whiplash. In the event of an accident the passenger is pushed into the seat. This action automatically causes the headrest to move forward and offer support to the passenger's head. Most whiplash injuries are caused by the head jerking forwards and then back, stretching the spine and the surrounding ligaments in opposing directions. The Accord's headrest is designed to interrupt that motion and offer support where it is most needed.

A device that can be installed into any vehicle is being marketed as 'Whipguard'. This has undergone rigorous scientific testing in the prevention of whiplash and is designed to minimise the distance between the back of the head and the headrest. In effect this acts the same way as the Accord's headrest, offering support where it is most needed and interrupting the jerking motion that is the main cause of whiplash.

Saab has approached the problem with a design that seems to have its roots in the Alexander Method. The Alexander Method is a practice of posture correction, created to minimise back problems. The Saab's new seat design has supportive seat backs that are designed to keep your back in line with your head. This reduces stress on the neck muscles that can be translated into whiplash in the event of a rear impact.
Ongoing research into whiplash

Research is ongoing into the development of Head And Neck Support (HANS) technology in cars. Currently, it is only used in racing cars and has been found to be the most effective method in preventing whiplash. In racing cars, HANS takes the form of carbon fibres attached to the upper torso and the helmet using straps. This system prevents the head being thrown forward as the result of an impact from the rear.

While manufacturers are testing and developing new designs and devices to combat whiplash, there are measures that the daily driver can take such as ensuring that headrests are in the right position. According to industry guidelines, the gap between the head and the headrest should be no more than two inches and the top of the headrest should be higher than the driver's head. Fortunately, whiplash prevention measures are becoming more commonly featured as part of a car's design and, in the future, should come as standard.