Allowing yourself a few seconds to properly adjust your car seat headrest before you drive can reduce injuries to the neck by up to 40%.
Neck injuries fall into the category of soft-tissue injuries, usually caused by some sort of whiplash movement. Whiplash often occurs in car accidents when the head is rapidly pushed forward and then backward as a result of the collision.
Only A Small Fraction Of Drivers Position Their Headrest Correctly
The Canadian Automobile Association posted the results of a study conducted by the Insurance Bureau of Canada. The study states only 14% of drivers have their headrests in a correct position. It reports that if drivers position their headrests correctly, they could reduce about 40% of whiplash and other soft tissue injuries.
According to CAA, insurance rates have steadily increased over the last year in part due to the amount of soft tissue injuries from car accidents.
The Best Way To Position Your Headrest
In order to position your head-rest correctly, the top part of the headrest should reach between the top of your ears and the top of your head. The width of the head-rest should ideally rest between your ears.
The effects of neck injuries caused by whiplash can range from minor aches and pains to severe physical damage. In order to make sure you are properly compensated for a neck injury as a result of a car accident, it’s important to speak to a personal injury lawyer. He or she will be able to evaluate the proper compensation you should be owed for your injuries.
