An end to the pain of Whiplash?

Using laser and radar these new devices stop your car getting too close to the car in front, causing the car to brake independently from the driver at the last possible moment and prevent an accident.

There are three main devices being offered: Honda's CMBS system and Mercedes Distronic Plus both focus on high speed crashes; Honda's system even tightens seat belts to prepare the driver for potential difficulties.

However, it is Volvo's windscreen mounted City Safety (fitted as standard on the forthcoming XC60) that could be the most effective as it focuses on preventing collisions at low speed. The system is mounted on the rear view mirror and monitors an area six metres in front of the car; if you get too close to the car in front, it "pre-tenses" the brake pedal. If the distance between you and the car in front doesn't increase it automatically applies full braking pressure.

With around 80 percent of whiplash claims deriving from low-speed crashes, this technology could stop many people experiencing the debilitating effects of whiplash injury and save insurance companies millions of pounds.

A spokesman for Thatcham indicated that if every car was fitted with one of these systems it could lead to the current number of whiplash injuries being reduced by half.

Sceptics have pointed out that the systems could lead to drivers taking unnecessary risks behind the wheel and relying on the devices to intervene. However, Thatcham point out that it would be difficult to drive this way, as you would be constantly emergency braking.

We deal in a range of claims, including whiplash claims and compensation.

http://www.1stclaims.co.uk is run by a non-practising Personal Injury Solicitor with over 14 years personal injury claims experience.