Women at higher risk of whiplash
Swedish research has revealed that women are up to three times more likely to suffer from
whiplash than men in rear end shunts.
The study looked at the way over 200 men and women adjusted their seats and the positions they assumed both while driving and in stationary positions. They also looked at over 400
insurance claims involving whiplash during the 1990’s.
They came to the conclusion that women are more at risk from whiplash due the way they adjust their seats and headrests. Women tend to sit closer to the wheel, assuming a higher position and with their seat more upright than most men.
This position put them more at risk from suffering whiplash injuries in a
crash. They study also found that drivers are much more likely to suffer whiplash than passengers. The directors of the study called for new designs of crash test dummies that would more accurately represent the female population.
A spokesman for MIRA Ltd who conduct international safety tests, hit back, saying that they do use female crash test dummies and that they are tested in seating positions prescribed by legislation.
He said, “We have filmed from bridges for instance and observed people’s seating positions. There are huge variations country to country, depending on the time of day and other factors, not just between male and female drivers.
“We also test ‘out of position’ for instance with arms or even legs out of the window.
“It could be that women aren’t adjusting their seating to the right position.
“We are looking at research work at the moment to produce cars that could sense the size of the occupant and automatically make adjustments accordingly.”
Other studies including UK studes have concluded that whatever the seating position, a properly adjusted head restraint can prevent whiplash in both men and women.
A spokeswoman for the Royal Society of Accident Prevention, had this to say:
“We encourage people to ensure that their head restraint is properly adjusted every time the car is used if there are different drivers using it.This helps prevent whiplash by reducing the distance between the back of the head and head restraint, stopping the neck from bending back on impact.”
Sheila’s Wheels, an insurance company which provies car insurance exclusively for women, was questioned on the matter and whether it would affect car insurance prices for women.
A spokeswoman for Sheila’s Wheels, replied that “If there was a study in the UK which highlighted something similar then it would be a cause for concern and as an insurer specialising in insurance for women, we would be keen to help raise awareness to women of any such studies and provide them with support / tips / advice on how to best sit in a car to help prevent the extent of whiplash injuries.”
Updated on 20/05/2008