Low Speed Collisions Cause Injuries Too
Posted by
Clint GilbertFebruary 01, 2006 9:10 AMAdvances in automotive technology have provided us with vehicles that are incredibly resilient in withstanding low-speed traffic collisions with no or minimal visible damage. Reinforcements and bounce-back materials have virtually ensured that wrecks that occur at less than 10 MPH will leave your car all but unscathed to the naked eye. But what about the effect that such "low speed" accidents have on the human body? Do these new vehicular technologies lessen the blow that is absorbed by us inside the car when an accident occurs? Studies suggest not. While an automobile can be designed to withstand an impact at 5 or 10 MPH, our bodies are not.
The injury most commonly suffered from an automobile accident at speeds below 10 MPH is the "soft tissue injury." Obviously the focus areas are the back and neck. But what exactly is a "soft tissue injury"?
Soft tissue injury is typically an injury that results in bruising, contusions, sprains and strains. The term "Soft Tissue" itself can refer to a number of bodily components: muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc... Unfortunately, many are of the opinion that injuries of this nature are "minor" and will clear up on their own within a few weeks following a low speed impact. But the truth is that soft tissue injuries can extremely painful and can linger on and present problems for years following an accident. In fact, a study performed by General Motors found that not only do injuries commonly occur in low speed accidents, but that almost 30% of those suffering soft tissue injury in such accidents continue to experience pain from those injuries 3 years later.
The study also found that whiplash is the most common injury suffered in auto collisions between 5 and 10 MPH, occurring in nearly 50% of such accidents. Sprains from twisting and contorting the body, and strains from stretching the body in abnormal ways are also quite common in these impacts.
Soft tissue injuries sometimes are felt immediately following an accident, but much of the time are felt in the days following. Any pain or soreness caused by the trauma of an impact, regardless of how "minor" the wreck may seem, should be checked out by a medical professional. These injuries can be nagging and severe, and can plague you for years if not properly evaluated and treated. Long story short: don't let your car's appearance following an impact deter you from acknowledging an injury. Remember that your body, unlike your automobile, is NOT designed to withstand the forces that are absorbed in an auto accident ---- at any speed.