How to avoid whiplash

20 January 2012

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is advising on how to avoid whiplash.

• Keep a good distance in front of you so that you can slow down gently when you need to.
• Except in an emergency, always look in the mirror before braking. Knowing what the car behind is doing is the best way to avoid getting hit from behind.
• Make sure you have a properly adjusted head restraint. The top of the head restraint should be level with the top of your head for maximum safety.
• Anticipate the traffic ahead and drive to avoid stopping as often – slowing down earlier gives the driver behind more time to react
• Try and signal early for junctions to give time for the traffic behind you to react.
• Keep your foot lightly on the footbrake as traffic approaches from behind to show brake lights as a warning, until you are sure it is stopping.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “The rise in whiplash compensation claims is driving up car insurance premiums. Whiplash is most commonly caused by a rear end shunt – you can reduce the risk of being in one simply by taking these steps.”

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.

Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.www.drivingadvice.org.uk.

2.Peter Rodger is the IAM’s chief examiner

3.The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling andThe commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

ENDS ALL

Media contacts:

IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777

press.office@iam.org.uk

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iam.org.uk