Many people think of and use head restraints according to their other known name, head rest. This leads them to think that everyday comfort is reason for this device. However, a properly positioned restraint is one of the most important safety features to prevent injury to the neck due to the whiplash effect of accidents. If the top of the restraint is even with the middle or bottom of your head, the neck will bend over the top of the restraint allowing the restraint to act as a fulcrum to create an even greater force of whiplash and more potential ligamentous damage to the neck.

Tip #2- Use Your Seat Belt… Always

It is still the most important device to prevent injury in an accident. Don’t count on your airbag to keep you safe. Clinically, patients who come to our office rarely report that their airbag deployed even in major accidents where their car was totaled.

Tip #3- Get Examined for Ligament Damage if You Are in an Accident

Many times ligament damage goes undetected. Either the person does not have significant symptoms and does not get any medical check or they go to a hospital and get released with just pain medication. At the hospital, the primary priority is to discover if there are any major medical issues, like fractures or internal bleeding. So many times the proper x-rays and examination for ligament damage is not done. Therefore, it is important to go to a chiropractic physician trained in whiplash diagnosis and treatment.

- Dr. Matthew C. Ferris is a chiropractic physician practicing at Health Connections in Fishers, Indiana. Dr. Ferris has completed post doctorate certification in Whiplash and Brain Traumatology from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego. If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident of any magnitude,  call for a complimentary consultation and exam to find potential underlying injury see if you are a candidate for our services. 317-585-9111.

Airbags come out at speeds of up to 200mph! They are designed to be used only in conjunction with a standard seatbelt in order to deploy fully before the head hits it. Increased injury can occur when used alone.  In the event of a crash keep your hands away from the airbag module cover to avoid injury.

Overall, your best bet in reducing your risk of a fatal crash is your seat belt. Seat belts are more effective than air bags alone. When used alone, airbags are 12% effective whereas seat belts are 42% effective. Using seatbelts in combination with airbags is 47% effective. Therefore, one should always wear a  seat belt and shoulder harness when riding  in a vehicle.

Clinical side note…in my office I have noticed many cases where impact was sufficient to total the vehicle and yet did not result in air bag deployment.

Resources:  Facts and figures were compiled from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego

- Dr. Matthew C. Ferris is a chiropractic physician practicing at Health Connections in Fishers, Indiana. Dr. Ferris has completed post doctorate certification in Whiplash and Brain Traumatology from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego. If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident of any magnitude,  call for a complimentary consultation and exam to find potential underlying injury see if you are a candidate for our services. 317-585-9111.