Short answer – Yes! Airbags really do make a huge difference in saving lives. They can sometimes aggravate whiplash, though. It makes sense – if an airbag can stop a large man from being thrown forward, they logically might through a smaller person backwards, sometimes resulting in whiplash.

Dr. Slattery is a medical doctor in Florida specializing in auto accident recovery and he wrote an interesting blog with his personal research into airbag technology, and how it is not only saving lives every day, but becoming better at decreasing injury in accidents as well.

Automakers and technology are making great strides in recent years at improving the ways airbags not only save lives, but also reduce injuries. For instance, new airbag designs are able to adjust the airbag inflation pressure based on the occupant in the front seat. A lighter occupant can receive less backward force, thus reducing the whiplash effect. Anyone who has had whiplash knows it can be extremely painful and take quite a bit of time for healing, so these strides in technology may significantly improve peoples’ quality of life and recovery time post-accident.

For more information, check out Dr. Slatterly’s blog: “Do Airbags Help Reduce Whiplash?”

Absolute Wellness Center in Eugene, OR provides sports medicine, chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and more. If you have been injured in a car accident, getting a through exam is the first step to determining whether you are simply sore, or whether proper treatment may prevent chronic pain down the road. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your injury, your personal injury insurance, and next steps. Click here to contact us or give us a call at 541-484-5777.