Avoiding Winter Whiplash Accidents

Anyone walking outside today will realize we are into the very cold and icy spell that hits us after most Christmas breaks. In addition to this we are also faced with shorter days. Not only do 1stClaims pick up the pieces after accidents, we also like to prevent them whenever possible. Here is some advice to keep you safe on the roads in the winter.

Leave A Safe Distance

Most whiplash injuries we deal with (and we deal with several hundred every year) are caused by someone driving into the back of another car. When you are following other vehicles leave a good safe distance from them to ensure you can stop suddenly if they are forced to. Remember when you took your driving test how long the safe stopping distances were. Is it time to revisit the Highway Code and remind yourself of them? If it saves you from several months pain isn't it worth it?

Do Not Predict What Driver In Front Will Do!

Another common cause of whiplash injuries we see is a driver crashing into the rear of another vehicle because he or she is predicting that the vehicle in front will move forward. This often occurs at roundabouts or junctions. The driver of the vehicle behind the car or lorry at the junction sees that it is safe to move off and predicts the other driver will do so. Before they realize they are not moving it is often too late and they find their vehicle crashing into the back of that vehicle. Remember that not everyone has the same driving skills. You may be able to move off quickly at junctions, but others may not be able to for many reasons such as:

* The power of their vehicle
* They may be more timid and need more time
* They may have only recently passed their driving test

If you expect the worst of the vehicle in front you will not only protect yourself but also save them a lot of pain too!

Leave Room In Front Of You

If you are forced to stop on a motorway or other fast road due to a tailback, or when you approach a junction, if it is safe to do so leave room in front of your vehicle so that if you see a car lose control behind you you can move forward into this space and hopefully save yourself from an accident. Anyone who has been unfortunate enough to sustain a whiplash injury will know that they spend a lot more time watching their rear view mirror and leaving space in front of them. One of our Directors sustained a whiplash injury and has probably avoided two more collisions by leaving this space in front of them. You can do the same by following this advice and possibly saving yourself from ever having to experience a whiplash injury.