Head
Restraints…
Pros and Cons
Depending on the literature you
read, head restraints are a reliable way to reduce head motion
during a rear-end collision or they are virtually useless.
Automotive engineers are addressing the problem, however not all
of the studies provide adequate documentation that the latest
technology is truly effective in reducing or eliminating whiplash.
The Volvo WHIPS system (Whiplash
Protection System) is most effective at collision speeds ranging
from 10 mph to 20 mph. Tests conducted by Volvo show that the
WHIPS system can reduce the acceleration forces in the neck by
some 50%. Their IC (Inflatable Curtain) is designed to reduce
injuries from a side impact by protecting the heads of the
automobile’s occupants.
Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR)
is designed to prevent whiplash injuries in collisions over 5mph.
Saab tested their restraint using a crash dummy and even tested
when the dummy was out of position or leaning forward at the time
of impact.
While improving head restraint
technology may help somewhat, it is far too soon to declare
victory over whiplash. Problems occur when head restraints are
improperly installed or improperly adjusted. According to
Arthur Croft, DC, writing in the Journal of the American
Chiropractic Association, another critical factor is the
distance between a person's head and the restraint at the moment
of impact. |
Head
restraints designed to protect riders in many of today's
automobiles can actually make whiplash injuries more severe.
Studies done on low-speed, rear-impact crashes show that less than
30 percent of Americans adjust their head restraints properly to
begin with, and even those who adjust them properly often end up
with whiplash injuries brought on by the head restraint itself.
Personal
Injury Trends is sent to you by
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Graham
Brown, D.C.
124 Main Street
Your City, State, Zip
876-987-0987
Doc@brown.com
www.Gbrowndc.com |
Please
Contact me with questions regarding Chiropractic
care. |
