The Association of British Insurers (ABI) and its member companies have begun a campaign aimed at reducing the incidence of whiplash injuries in motor accidents, estimated to affect 250,000 people each year and cost over £1 billion. The campaign concentrates on encouraging drivers and passengers to position their head restraints correctly, as this can significantly reduce the chances of suffering this particular injury.

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, the Association’s Deputy Director General, Tony Baker, said:

“Each year, around a quarter of a million people in the UK suffer whiplash injuries to their neck in motor accidents. These injuries are increasing as the growth in traffic leads to more rear-end collisions, which are three times more likely to cause whiplash as the neck is snapped backwards and then forwards.

“Between a third and a half of these unpleasant injuries could be prevented by correct positioning of the head restraint, so that the top of it is at least level with your ears, preferably higher.”

ABI is calling on motor manufacturers and safety organisations to back the campaign and its clear message “Avoid Whiplash – Adjust Your Head Restraint – Not Your Neck”. The aim is to reduce the unnecessary risks faced by the 70% of drivers and passengers who, almost certainly unwittingly, are not positioning their head restraints safely.

When a restraint is set too low, the head can be forced backwards, compressing the vertebrae in the neck. As the head then whips forward, the vertebrae are stretched. The effect is that the fluid around the vertebrae, and the neck ligaments, nerves and muscles, can all be damaged.

The problem is around twice as bad for women, because they tend not to have such sturdy necks as men, and also because they tend to sit further forward in their seat when driving.

A campaign logo and promotional material has been prepared with four key tips for motorists:

1. ADJUST YOUR HEAD RESTRAINT:

• The top of your head restraint should be at least level with the top of the ears, higher is better.
  
  
• The distance between your head and the head restraint should be as small as possible.

2. WHEN BUYING A NEW CAR, if your head restraint is ADJUSTABLE:

• You should be able to move it upwards far enough for your use.
  
  
• It should automatically lock into position after adjustment.
  
  
• There should be head restraints for the rear seats.

3. FIXED HEAD RESTRAINTS:

• The best type of fixed head restraint is one that is high enough to be level with the top of the occupants head.

4. WOMEN: BE PARTICULARLY CAREFUL you are more vulnerable.

Notes

1. A research briefing note on understanding whiplash is enclosed.



2. The campaign logo artwork is attached, and publication will be welcomed.



3. Bookmarks (example enclosed) are being widely distributed to encourage motorists to read the key tips.



4. Enquiries to:
   

   Vic Rance 020 7216 7440 (Home: 020 8647 5188)
   Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410 (Home: 020 8297 9510)

5. An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.