Electronic stability and anti-whiplash tests to become standard

As part of the new European crash test programme, electronic stability and anti-whiplash head restraints could soon become standard for all vehicles.

New whiplash rating systems
The whiplash crash test information will be used for proposed whiplash rating systems to be released to consumers. More detailed information means that purchasers can be more specific about what car they choose and demand the safety requirements they expect their chosen vehicle to have.

Ratings can be displayed on consumer sites like the Reliability Index (www.reliabilityindex.co.uk), in the same way that other crash statistics are shown. Cars can currently get up to a five star safety rating.

"Active" head restraints take control
Electronically-activated head restraints which reduce the impact of a whiplash injury by moving head restraints forwards during a car accident have been available since the nineties. Pre-pressed strings automatically released during a car accident pivot a headrest while pushing it forwards.

These specially designed head restraints can literally save your life. If you are hit by another car, the anti-whiplash seat and the head restraint sense the severity of the blow.

As the driver's body is forced backwards, the head restraint moves forwards and upwards, reducing the chance of severe whiplash. Unlike airbags, they are entirely mechanical and can be reset without expensive repairs following a vehicle accident.

Car seats are improving
Last year, the majority of car seats and headrests were rated poor in crash tests. Although many manufacturers introduced designs that they hoped would reduce whiplash injuries, Thatcham's tests showed that many didn't work properly.

This year, several manufacturers are now achieving a consistent 'good' score in Thatcham's tests for their seats and headrests. Mercedes introduced the first active head restraint using an on-board crash sensor and Thatcham believes other manufacturers will follow suit in the near future.

Making a whiplash compensation claim
Anybody who has suffered whiplash as the result of a car accident knows that it can be extremely painful and although mild whiplash can be short-lasting, it can take much longer to recover from a serious whiplash injury and there can be compound neurological and emotional effects.

If you have whiplash because of an accident that was not your fault, you may be able to make a compensation claim. Our team are experts in whiplash cases and have an excellent success rate. Our no win no fee policy means that you won't have to pay a thing towards our costs and all compensation awarded will go directly to you.

Call us now on 0808 143 43 42 and we will talk you through the claims process and let you know what to do next.