Whiplash To Soar During Heat-Wave

The number of British people suffering from whiplash injuries could be set to soar during the next few months as the summer weather kicks in.

According to previous figures from the Met Office, more UK residents will be planning to travel within the country for days out and short staycations over the summer as a bid to reduce costs during the downturn of the financial economy.

As a result, the number of road accidents is expected to increase as a growing number of Brits drive into unfamiliar territories.

Yet the road isn't the only place where people can fall victim to suffering from whiplash injuries.

Ride-related accidents

In 1998, an estimate 9,200 people suffered personal injuries as a result of ride-related accidents, according to figures from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, (CPSC).

With more sun expected to follow after the recent heat-wave, more Brits are being encouraged to go to theme parks and summer fairs.

With this, more theme parks compete to create the highest, fastest and scariest ride, along with its summertime "buy one get one free" offers, more Brits are expected to be attracted to the parks and will visit them at some point this year.

As a result, the number of thrill seekers suffering from personal injuries such as discomfort similar to whiplash pain, are expected to increase further.

Whiplash Associated Disorders, (WAD) can be a common occurrence if a ride stops suddenly as a result of a fault in the machine.

With drivers and passengers in a van or a car being capable to suffer from whiplash injuries at just 5mph, rides going 70 or even 100mph can also have dangerous life-long effects.

There have been a significant number of cases where thrill seekers have experienced personal injuries such as whiplash as a result of going on a ride.

Staffordshire theme park disastar

In 2006, 29 people were injured as a result of an accident on a ride at a Staffordshire theme park.

The front carriage of a train ride separated from the rest and rolled back into the others.

The impact of the carriages rolling into the others resulted in six of the 29 of those who were injured being taken to hospital, two via air ambulance after suffering from possible spinal, abdominal or whiplash injuries.

The 23 others suffered minor cuts and bruises and required medical treatment at the scene.

Furthermore, in 2002, four people suffered whiplash injuries as a result of an accident in a fairground after "the ride stopped so suddenly."

While in 2000, a major accident at Blackpool Pleasure Beach left 14 people suffering from personal injuries such as broken ribs and limbs after two trains collided.

In the same year, an accident at a North Yorkshire theme park left three riders experiencing whiplash injuries after being thrown against safety barriers.

However, sometimes personal injuries in a theme park can be avoided.

Following instructions given by the operators, keeping out of restricted areas, and ensuring that the safety barriers are secure, will reduce the chances of an accident occurring.