Common Injuries in Rear-End Accidents

Common Injuries in Rear-end Accidents
Injuries Caused By Rear-End Collisions

These injuries are most common after a rear-end collision:
Neck injuries (whiplash). When your car is hit from the rear, your neck
snaps
back
and
then
forward.
This
can
result
in
hyperextension/hyperflexion injury, which is sometimes called whiplash.

These injuries vary in severity and, while not all are, whiplash injuries can be
permanent and disabling. Even more serious injuries, such as herniated
discs, are possible.

Back injuries. Sprains, strains and herniated discs in the mid-back (called
the thoracic spine) and the low back (the lumbar spine) can also result from
rear-enders.
Face and head injuries. Your face and head may strike the steering wheel or
the windshield in a rear-end collision, possibly resulting in bruises, lacerations
or even closed-head injuries such as concussions, or worse. It is also
possible to sustain a closed-head injury without striking the interior of your
car. The violent back and front movement of your head can injure your brain
by causing it to strike against the inside of your skull.

Wrist, hand and shoulder injuries. These can occur when your hands and
arms are jammed into your steering wheel by the impact.
Seatbelt injuries. When your seatbelt and shoulder harness engage, they
can cause bruising.

Airbag injuries. Your airbag may deploy if your rear-end collision forces you
into a car in front of you. The contents of airbags sometimes cause burns.
Whiplash is Preventable
Researchers found the best way to prevent whiplash-related
injuries is the correct adjustment and proper use of a head
restraint. A properly adjusted head restraint help to protect against
whiplash, and the potential for long-term injury, especially during
rear collisions. The height of a restraint and the gap between the
head and the restraint are critical in influencing injury risk. A
correctly adjusted head restraint should be level with the top of the driver's ears or
higher with minimal distance between the back of the head and the head rest.
Research indicates that during normal driving, if all adjustable head restraints were
adjusted to the correct vertical height, then a reduction of 28.3% in whiplash injuries and
a significant reduction in the incidence of soft tissue injuries, from rear-end collisions
can be expected. More Statistics on Whiplash Injuries.
Properly Adjusted Head Restraints

To effectively reduce whiplash injury:
Raise the head restraint so the center is slightly above the top of the ear, and the
top is level or above the top of the persons head.
Position the head restraint to be as close as possible to the back of the head.
Adjust the seat back angle into a relatively upright position. This allows the head
restraint to be positioned closer to the back of the head.
A poorly adjusted head restraint is set too low,too far

from the back of the head or both of the above. This
leaves the head and neck unsupported in the event of a
rear-end collision.
A correctly positioned head restraint is set at the proper

height for the individual paddenger and is about 5cm
away from the back of the head. This will give the best
protection for the head and neck in a rear-end collision.
Air Bag Prevent Major Injuries

An airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint system consisting
of a flexible fabric envelope or cushion designed to inflate rapidly during an
automobile collision. Its purpose is to cushion occupants during a crash and provide
protection to their bodies when they strike interior objects such as the steering wheel or
a window. Modern vehicles may contain multiple airbag modules in various side and
frontal locations of the passenger seating positions, and sensors may deploy one or
more airbags in an impact zone at variable rates based on the type, angle and severity
of impact; the airbag is designed to only inflate in moderate to severe frontal crashes.
Airbags are normally designed with the intention of supplementing the protection of an
occupant who is correctly restrained with a seat belt. Most designs are inflated
through pyrotechnic means and can only be operated once. Newer side-impact airbag
modules consist of compressed air cylinders that are triggered in the event of a side
impact vehicle impact
Factors That Affect Whether You Are Injured In A Rear-End Collision

Whether a driver or passenger is injured, and if so, how seriously they are injured, may
be affected by these factors:
Where they are seated in the vehicle. In a rear-end collision, passengers in the
rear of vans are more vulnerable than those seated closer to the front of the vehicle.
Proper positioning of headrests. Proper headrest positioning can prevent neck

injuries.
Use of seatbelts and airbags. While they can cause comparatively minor
injuries, seatbelts and airbags have been demonstrated to save lives and prevent
more serious injuries.
Awareness of the impending crash. If a driver and her passengers know about
an impending crash, they can brace themselves and this can prevent injuries or
lessen their severity.
Possible damages in the car (Rear-end Collision)

1. Scratches and Dents
2. Broken glass, side lights, warning lights
3. Hood hinge will bend up
4. Bumper, radiator, roof panel and compartment may severely deform
5. Body/Frame deformation
6. A distortion of any measuring points will change steering or suspension geometry

Common Injuries in Rear-End Accidents

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Common Injuries in Rear-End Accidents

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Common Injuries in Rear-end Accidents

Injuries Caused By Rear-End Collisions

hyperextension/hyperflexion injury, which is sometimes called whiplash.

discs, are possible.

by causing it to strike against the inside of your skull.

can cause bruising.

Properly Adjusted Head Restraints

A poorly adjusted head restraint is set too low,too far

A correctly positioned head restraint is set at the proper

Air Bag Prevent Major Injuries

Factors That Affect Whether You Are Injured In A Rear-End Collision

Proper positioning of headrests. Proper headrest positioning can prevent neck

Possible damages in the car (Rear-end Collision)

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