The Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM) has this week released a set of top tips for how to avoid whiplash.
As part of its series of weekly motoring tips from Britain's top advanced driver Peter Rodger, the road safety charity IAM is this week advising motorists how to avoid whiplash. According to Rodger:
"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."
Tip 1 – Make sure that you keep a good distance from the car in front so that you can slow down gently when you need to and do not have to brake suddenly.
Tip 2 – Unless it is an emergency you should always look in the mirror before braking. Knowing what the car behind you is doing is the single best way to avoid being hit from behind.
Tip 3 – Make certain that you have a properly adjusted head restraint. The top of the head restraint should be level with the top of your head.
Tip 4 – Try to anticipate the traffic ahead and drive in such a way as to avoid stopping so often. Slowing down earlier gives the driver behind you more time to react.
Tip 5 – Try to signal early for junctions to give the traffic behind you more time to react.
Tip 6 – Hold your foot lightly on the footbrake as traffic approaches from behind to show the brake lights as a warning, until you are certain they are stopping.
