Due to the unpredictable nature of road accidents, it is not necessarily possible to prevent whiplash occurring. However, there are certain precautionary measures motorists can take that will help avoid whiplash injury or, at the very least, will minimise the extent of damage.
How To Prevent Whiplash.
To protect yourself against the possibility of whiplash, there are a number of steps you, as a driver, can take. These include:-
1. Adjust the headrest.
First and foremost, it is essential you adjust your headrest, as this is considered to be instrumental in reducing the damage caused by low-speed road traffic accidents. It must be positioned so that the top of the headrest is in line with the top of your head. By having it correctly in place, the headrest will act a kind of barrier, preventing your head from being thrown backwards upon impact. This will reduce the extent of the backwards 'whipping' motion.
2. Drive safely.
Whiplash injuries often arise when a vehicle goes into the back of the car in front. By and large, this will happen because a driver has neglected to leave a sufficient amount of space between the two vehicles. Therefore it is vital you respect how much breaking time is needed.
3. Be aware of other drivers.
While you may be a safe driver, you cannot always protect yourself from the actions of other road users. To help avoid any mishaps, you need to remain cautious at all times, pre-empting any accidents that could happen. For example, if the car behind is tailgating you, simply pull over (if it is safe) and allow them to pass. This will help ensure your safety.
What Action Can You Take If You Do Suffer Whiplash?
Nevertheless, these precautionary measures are not always able to prevent whiplash happening. So what can you do if you do suffer a whiplash injury? Firstly, you need to seek the appropriate medical treatment. Whiplash is considered to be a self-limiting condition, meaning it will generally improve without medical intervention. Thus an ice pack to reduce the swelling and painkillers may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms. However, in more serious whiplash cases, a patient may need further treatment from a chiropractor or a physiotherapist.
Once you have ensured your own well-being, your next step should be to consider who was responsible for the accident. If you are not to blame, and the other driver can be held accountable for your injuries, you need to speak to a solicitor.
Copyright (c) 2012 Nicholas Jervis