(Article was taken from Alaska USA FCU's TopSafety newsletter - July 2005)

How to Avoid Whiplash

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 300,000 whiplash injuries occur annually in the United States. Whiplash, an injury to the soft tissues of the head, neck and spine, can cause pain, stiffness, headaches, sensory disturbances and dizziness. You can experience whiplash if your neck is rapidly jarred beyond its normal range, such as when a vehicle in which you're riding is struck from behind.

To prevent whiplash injury, take the following precautions:

ENSURE that your vehicle "headrests" - they're actually head restraints - are high enough to touch the back of your skull.  Tip: Adjust the head restraint before buckling your seat belt.

PRACTICE defensive driving. Be aware of unsafe, erratic and distracted drivers.

AVOID tailgaters. Get out of the path of tailgating drivers as soon as it's safe, or slow down and allow the vehicle to pass.

Finally, if whiplash occurs, use ice packs rather than heat on your neck, and see your doctor for further treatment. -- [Make sure that you ask your doctor to prescribe massage therapy. Massage focuses on the soft tissues and will greatly aid in your whiplash recovery. Your Personal Injury Protection from your auto insurance should be able to cover the cost of your whiplash treatments.]

Update: The NHTSA recently upgraded its head restraint standards to reduce whiplash injuries in rear collisions. The upgraded standard becomes mandatory for all vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2008.