Whiplash, head restraints, seat position, and men and women

It has long been informally observed by road safety experts, doctors and personal injury solicitors that women are more vulnerable to whiplash than men. Now Swedish researchers have confirmed this gender disparity by carrying out a study that shows the risk for women is around three times higher than it is for men.

The researchers, from Umea University, examined data from more than 400 hyperflexion injury patients and the driving seat adjustment habits of a further 200 people and discovered that women may be more prone to this form of neck complaint because of their tendency to sit both closer and higher in relation to the steering wheel.

They say that male-centric crash test dummies may have played a part in underplaying the risk to women. They told the BBC, "Current crash dummies used to develop vehicle seats and neck supports, for instance, are geared to men of normal size, but not to women.

"This is especially true in regard to height.

"Nor does testing methodology take into consideration differences between the sexes, or differences in sitting position between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat."

As a result, the researchers believe that road safety experts should design new crash test dummies that better reflect the stature of women.

A spokesperson from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents took the opportunity to remind drivers of the importance of correctly adjusting their headrests, commenting, "A properly adjusted head restraint will help prevent whiplash by reducing the distance between the back of the head and head restraint, stopping the neck from bending back.

"It will also reduce the amount of time it takes your head to initially contact the head restraint, and increase the amount of time that your head is supported during an accident."

"It's important everyone adjusts the head rest as necessary - every time the car is used if there are different drivers using it."

Whiplash specialist solicitors
Whiplash is a complex and often misunderstood injury; it can lead to a variety of symptoms, and vary from a passing problem to a chronic injury.

If you have suffered this form of neck injury in a road accident that was not, or not entirely, your fault, you may be able to claim personal injury compensation.

The car accident specialists on our panel, although traditionally described as no win, no fee solicitors, in fact work on a cost-free basis, ensuring that your claim never costs you anything, whatever its outcome.

Not only do we guarantee not to charge you anything ourselves, we also protect you from being billed for any of the opposing side's legal costs. And with our 100 percent compensation promise, you can always be sure we will not take any cut.

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