Minimize the Impact of a Motor Vehicle Accident

Tricia Hayton, Registered Physiotherapist

As I drove to work today, I heard my favourite morning talk show host talking about it.   It is coming.  The experts may be wrong.   It may not come tonight, but it is coming.   Winter is coming.

Don’t get me wrong, I will gladly take the first flakes of snow over a gray, rainy November.  I love to build a snowman, take a hike in the snow, ski and play track tag.   All the things good Canadian kids enjoy.   As a Canadian adult, I don’t like shovelling.  I don’t like having wet toes throughout the work day.   And like almost everyone else “I wouldn’t mind winter, if I didn’t have to drive in it.”

Motor Vehicle Accidents make up a substantial percentage of physiotherapy treatments.   And although most people get back to work and play, it can be a long and sometime painful process that would be better avoided.  

Here are some tips to minimize injury and quicken recovery:

1. Prevention!  If possible, it is best to avoid accidents altogether.  During winter weather, drive slower and leave more space between you and the car ahead.   Snow tires are a great investment in safety.  Ensuring that your car is well tuned is also helpful.  Finally, pay attention to the road and vehicles around you.  
2. Position yourself well.    Adjust your seat so that it is as far away from the air bags as possible while still being able to comfortably reach the steering wheel.   Check to see if the steering wheel is pointed at your chest or face.   If it is pointing at your face, adjust it to be in line with your chest.   Feet flat on the ground.   This may be more relevant for passengers than drivers, but with feet crossed or resting on the dashboards, the safety features of the car can do as much damage as good.  Finally, keep your thumbs off the cross piece of the steering wheel.   Airbags eject with speed and power; your thumbs may be injured if they engage. 
3. Relax and release the brake.  If you see an impending impact, try to relax the muscles of your neck and shoulders. Instinctively, most people tense to try to minimize the movement, however, the forces are generally too big for your muscles to overcome.   Relaxed muscles will end up with less injury.  If it is safe, release the brake of the car.   This will allow the forward momentum of the car to absorb some of the impact.   Injuries are often less if the car is moving slightly versus at a stand still.    However, if movement will create an impact with another car, keep the brake applied.
4. Keep it moving.  If you have pain in the neck or limited movement, go to the emergency room to get checked by a doctor.  Once you have been cleared from serious injuries, try to keep your neck moving through the pain-free range of motion.   This will quicken recovery and get you back to your best as soon as possible.  
5. Seek treatment early.   It is common that the pain will increase during the first few days after an accident.  Studies show us that early intervention through a registered healthcare provider can quicken recovery.

 
Remember that we are here to help.   The first few days after an accident can be a scary and stressful time.   Our practitioners have been through it many times before and can assist you with navigating the experience.