Preventing a whiplash injury on a motorcycle

The possibility of incurring a whiplash injury is not restricted to drivers of four-wheeled vehicles; motorcycle riders may also be at risk of hypertension and hyperflexion injuries in an accident.

Car manufacturers have been developing head restraint systems for some time, such as Saab's SAHR system. These can be built into the car, as the driver and passengers tend to be contained in an accident. The possibility of a motorbike rider leaving the vehicle makes systems that are attached to the bike itself potentially worthless.

There are, however, devices to help prevent a whiplash injury available. These work by attaching a brace to the riders themselves.

Anti-whiplash braces
The most famous of these, the Leatt brace, was invented by Dr Chris Leatt, from South Africa. Made of Kevlar, it resembles a cable-drum that has been shaped to fit around a human neck and shoulders. The protruding panels below the chin and the back of the neck are designed to prevent excessive motion, but not to interfere with the motions necessary to safe riding.

Other manufacturers of similar devices include Fro Systems, KTM, BMW Motorrad, and PCS. Further to this, it is possible to find decals and stickers that can personalise the whiplash injury device.

These devices are more popular in motocross than in general riding at present, particularly after the impassioned plea made on the internet in early 2007 by ex-motocross rider David Bailey. Following an accident in 1987 that left him paralysed, Bailey's opinions on safety have been widely heard in the motorsports community. Watch Bailey's video.

This is not to say they will not become as central a part of a motorcyclist's safety equipment in future. Helmets were initially resisted by those who felt no fear of accidents; not everyone rides without fear of a whiplash injury.

Whiplash injury compensation claims
If you have incurred a whiplash injury that was not your fault, whether on a motorcycle or not, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim to cover any suffering and costs caused.

As experts in the field of whiplash, YouClaim are ideally placed to tell you whether your case qualifies, and to help you find the best no win, no fee solicitor for your needs if so. Every whiplash claim we take on is entirely cost-free for the customer, and every successful case passes 100% compensation to the claimant, with no cuts or deductions taken by us.

To benefit from our excellent success rate, simply call us on 0800 10 757 95, request a call back, or chat to us online. Our whiplash injury team is ready to help you begin your claim today.