How to avoid suffering from whiplash

Recent reports have been suggesting that the UK has become the whiplash capitol of the world with the ABI citing poorly fitted head restraints as the main reason for the 25 percent increase in whiplash claims. The ramifications of this for everyone else is according to the money saving expert is around a £66 pound increase to everyone’s insurance policy. This has equated to a compensation bill of around £2 billion a year.

The report published by the Association of British Insurers revealed that around 1200 people a day submit a whiplash claim. Simon Douglas the director of AA Insurance, said: "The cost of whiplash claims equates to about £66 for every UK car insurance policy … this is more than twice the cost of claims for accidents with uninsured drivers."It will become an "increasingly important" matter for the cost of policies in the future, he added.

Stephen Haddrill, ABI Director General, said: “Whiplash imposes unacceptable costs to individuals, businesses and the state. Insurers want to reduce whiplash, provide fast care and compensation and tackle fraudulent claims. “But we cannot do this alone. We call on the Government, road safety groups, the medical and legal professions and other stakeholders to work with us on a campaign to reduce this problem.”

If whiplash claims are costing so much money, what can be done to help stop whiplash injuries thus saving everyone money in the long run? As the ABI study showed the biggest cause of whiplash injuries is poorly fitted head rests. If head rest is fitted so the rest is directly behind the head instead of the neck (where it is usually placed) then it should provide adequate support so the head doesn’t jolt back suddenly when in a crash. The down side to this is that it is not the most comfortable position for your head to be in on long journeys. Basic safety precautions such as wearing a seatbelt is essential, some chiropractors also suggest basic neck exercises will help avoid strain if you where to be involved in a car accident.

Unfortunately most of us don’t have the time or foresight to carry out these measurers so it might be advisable to look into a car that has received a green or gold standard rating in the recent Euro NCAP safety tests. The cars which received this rating in the most recent tests were the, Volvo XC60, Alfa Romeo Mito, VW Golf VI, Audi A4 and Vauxhall/Opel Insignia. Many may not be able to afford a brand new car in this time of recession but it is defiantly worth checking out the Euro NCAP safety ratings for any perspective car as it could save you a lot of neck ach in the future.

So as the UK remains at the top of the whiplash charts it is down to the individual to try and save money and lower the amount of whiplash claims, which are costing every individual around £66 pounds. As we all know everyone is looking to save money and this could be a great way to save the pennies.

Seamus has more articles pertaining to whiplash claims and other legal related articles.