Head-On Collisions are More Than a Pain in the Neck

Head-on collision.

It just sounds awful. And unfortunately, the consequences often are awful and lifelong. Studies conducted by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that the risk of death has been reduced 61 percent by the use of seat belts and airbags. Nevertheless, drivers and passengers are still getting injured and dying as a result of head-on collisions.

What Kind of Injuries Result from a Head-On Collision?

Some types of injuries are more likely to occur in head-on car crashes. Unfortunately, they are among the most serious to occur in a car accident. These include:

Whiplash. Although the car stops abruptly during a frontal collision, your head and neck continue moving forward and are then whipped back. Consequently, ligaments and muscles in the neck and shoulders are strained, leading to symptoms such as pain and headaches, stiffness, numbness and dizzy spells.

Concussion. Because your head may be thrown forward and back in a head-on collision, there may be concussion. Air bags do reduce the risk of this traumatic brain injury, but concussions and skull fractures can occur.

Spinal injuries. Depending on the speed of the vehicles, a head-on collision can be like hitting a brick wall. No surprise then that the force can travel up your spine, leading to injuries such as a herniated disc, nerve damage or broken vertebra. In the worst cases, spinal injury can cause paralysis.

Abdominal injuries. Although abdominal injuries happen more often during a side impact accident, they can also occur during frontal collisions. The liver, spleen, kidneys and diaphragm are all susceptible to injury.

Chest Injury. The force of a seat belt or airbag is significant during a head-on crash. Broken ribs or damage to the lungs can result.

Leg and foot injuries. Because the lower extremities are the first to be hit in a frontal crash, they can bear the brunt of the impact. In addition, knees and legs may be forced up against the dash. Injuries include broken bones, torn ligaments, crushed legs and foot and ankle damage.

Can Head-On Collision Be Avoided?

Yes.

How?

Simply by staying fully aware while you are driving. The main reason for head-on collisions is a driver who is unaware of the speed of his own vehicle or an approaching vehicle. Consequently, a driver can misjudge distance or not see a car until it’s too late.

Serious frontal accidents can happen when:

• A driver crosses the centerline to pass when an oncoming car is too close
• Taking a curve too fast
• Turning left into the path of an oncoming motorist
• Taking a wide right turn
• Misinterpreting markings on the pavement

Keep yourself, your passengers and other drivers on the road safe by paying close attention to the speed of your car and others nearby.

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Zinovy Chukhman is a chiropractor in Dallas who specializes in treating patients who have an injury that is the result of a head-on motor vehicle accident. He offers chiropractic care, rehabilitation, nutritional counseling and pain management.