New car design cuts whiplash injuries - Introduction

Motorists are better protected against the risk of whiplash injuries since manufacturers have improved head restraint designs in their cars.

Research institute Thatcham says more manufacturers are achieving 'good' ratings in its whiplash tests according to its latest results.

In 2006 model year cars, 22% of seats were rated as 'good', compared with just 16% in 2005 model year vehicles. The number of 'poor' ratings has also fallen by 28%.

In particular, Thatcham mentions the work Volvo and Saab have done with their head restraints, which show up to a 50% reduction in real-world injuries.

It also singles out Mercedes for its new seat design, which is able to anticipate accidents and prepare head restraints for maximum passenger protection.

Thatcham hopes more manufacturers will now take the prevention of whiplash injuries more seriously.

Click here to go to the Thatcham website and view the results of its latest trials.