RISK OF A WHIPLASH INJURY IS GREATER FOR WOMEN THAN FOR MEN

A study has recently suggested that women who are involved in a road accident are more at risk of suffering a whiplash injury due to a “rear end shunt” than men, simply because of their driving position.

The study was conducted by a Swedish university and found that most women adjust their seat in such a way that it left them more susceptible to whiplash.  In particular, women often sit higher and closer to the steering wheel than men, and also with a more upright back and head rest, and this may put them more at risk of suffering neck injuries in the event of a collision from behind.

Data for the study was provided by a Swedish insurance company, and men and women’s seating positions were also compared to those of certain types of crash test dummies.

Following the study there was a call for the use of crash test dummies specifically designed to emulate the stature and driving posture of women, as this may eventually lead to an improvement in the risks posed in this type of accident.

COMMENT:-

Studies carried out in the UK have indicated that the use of head rests can greatly reduce the risk of someone suffering a whiplash injury, regardless of their driving position.

Every time the driver is changed, the head rest must be properly adjusted for the new driver.  In the event of a car accident, this can help prevent the injury by reducing the distance between the back of the driver’s head and the head rest.  This can stop the neck from bending back on impact.

Successful claims for accident compensation can be made against drivers who cause this type of road accident, whether the injured person is male or female.  However, everyone must ensure they minimise the risk of suffering a whiplash injury by being correctly positioned within the vehicle.

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM SOLICITORS:-

If you have suffered injury in any form or road accident, contact personal injury specialists Hinchliffes Solicitors for immediate legal advice, to find out if you are entitled to make claims for injury compensation.  All cases are dealt with on a No Win - No Fee basis, where the successful Client keeps 100% of the compensation recovered.

Call now on 0800 138 1348 to speak direct to a personal injury lawyer or go to our Start Your Claim Now page to submit details of your personal injury claim online.

Tags: accident compensation, car accident, injury, neck, whiplash

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 29th, 2008 at 2:12 pm and is filed under ALL NEWS ITEMS, Road accidents.