Badly Adjusted Headrests Lead To Spiralling Whiplash Claims

Monday, 8. December 2008

Anyone who has bought my book, An Insider Guide To Car Finance also received, free of charge my Hints, Tips and Safety book. In this free book I include loads of great advice, some of which explains the importance of having your headrest adjusted to the correct height in order to avoid whiplash. Clearly not enough people have read this advice as nearly 1,200 people claim every day for whiplash damage following a collision. This figure has risen by 25% over the past 5 years. The problem has become so great that insurers are describing the situation as ‘epidemic’. They also point out that the cost of claims is about to pass the £2 billion mark. Amazingly whiplash claims account for 20% of all insurance premiums. This equates to a cost of £66 per annum compared to £30 per annum that uninsured driving costs insured motorists each year in their premium. The Association of British Insurers and motoring and road safety groups are working together to find a solution. The Association has pointed out that the UK is the whiplash capital of Europe with 75% of personal injury claims relating to whiplash compared to 40% across Europe. ABI director general, Stephen Haddrill said ‘Part of the answer is in our failing personal injury compensation system and our no questions asked approach to whiplash.’ Basic education is also failing with, as I pointed out in my book, 75% of drivers unaware how head restraints should be adjusted to prevent whiplash injuries. One of the major causes of collision leading to whiplash injury is tailgating, something that the police may start taking a look at in order to increase prosecution for dangerous driving. Manufacturers are being asked to improve their safety technology that could help to prevent whiplash. In the meantime buy my book and see what I have to say about adjusting your headrests. By Graham Hill