Preventing minor neck injuries in rear crashes--forty years of progress.

OBJECTIVE

This article offers a historical review of vehicle design measures that have been implemented to reduce the risk of neck injuries to the occupants of rear struck vehicles.

METHODS

The literature on regulations, consumer information programs, and efforts by vehicle manufacturers to address whiplash injuries is summarized along with studies evaluating the efficacy of the resulting vehicle design changes.

RESULTS

Vehicle designs and, in particular, the designs of seats and head restraints have changed considerably over the last 40 years. With varying degrees, these changes seem to be reducing the likelihood that occupants in rear struck vehicles will suffer neck injuries in such crashes.

CONCLUSIONS

Vehicle design has influenced the risk of neck injuries in crashes, and future design changes offer potential for further risk reduction.