How To Survive A Car Crash
Author: Dr. Rick Morris

You're stopped at the corner of Dunn and Bradstreet listening
to your latest empowerment tape when, out of your rear-view
mirror, you spot a Seville preparing to redesign the back of
your car. Quick, what should you do?

Lawrence Nordhoff, Jr., D.C., accident reconstructionist and
author of two texts on vehicle collisions makes the following
suggestions for that split second when you see the car
approaching:

1. "Tighten up and brace yourself holding on firmly to the ten
o'clock and two o'clock position of the steering wheel."

The idea of remaining loose and relaxed is wrong! Contracted
muscles protect the bones, discs, ligaments and nerves.

2. "Keep your wrists flat, not bent," to prevent wrist injuries
such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

3. "Face forward, look straight ahead and sit squarely against
the back of your seat." Never allow passengers to bend forward
in airbag-equipped cars. If you are about to be rear-ended,
press your head firmly against the headrest.

4. "When stopped, keep an eye on your rear view mirror." You
have a better chance of not being injured if you're aware of the
oncoming collision.

According to Dr. Nordhoff, the average person will be in a car
collision once every ten years. Practice these four points upon
entering your car will make them "instinctual" when the
situation arises. Before the "big day" there are a few things to
keep in mind.

1. "Buy Big! Size counts!"

Gas economy is great for our environment and small cars look
cute, but when you're watching an S.U.V. drive into the back of
your Hyundai, you'll wish you had a Suburban.

2. Sit at least 6" from the steering wheel to avoid serious
injury caused by the airbag crushing into your chest. If you're
too short, get pedal extenders.

3. The headrest must contact the area just above your ears.
Most are set too low and act as karate chop when you're struck
from behind.

4. Never place the shoulder harness behind your back. This puts
the stress on the lap belt causing spinal cord injuries. If
you're large breasted, use a shoulder strap cushion such as
lambs wool.
5. Put a cushion on the glass in old pick-up trucks whose rear
window acts as the head restraint.

6. Changed seatbelts every 10 years and after major car
accidents.

7. Service and check the ABS (antilock braking system) every
time you change your pads (must be requested).

8. Do not pump your ABS! This can cause your car to flip over.
Just hold the brakes to the floor. It will naturally grab, grind
and feel jerky but it is supposed to do this. Practice the feel
of abrupt braking in a vacant lot.

9. Carry high "med pay" coverage (minimum $25,000). It's fairly
inexpensive and will free you from having to sue your insurance
company to have your treatment covered.

Accidents are nearly inevitable so share this information. It
may lead to a more "pleasant" accident experience.

When you're injured, ALWAYS have yourself evaluated at my
office so that your alignment can be returned to a healthy and
normal function—not just temporarily pain-free. Often the
effects of an accident don't fully reveal themselves for months
and sometimes years later (when the degenerative changes
develop). We make certain to check for their signs and usually
prevent them from developing.


About The Author: Dr. Rick Morris is the founder of the The
Morris Spinal Stenosis and Disc Center in Santa Monica, Ca. You
can read more of his health articles or contact him at his
website (http://www.wevegotyourback.org) and find out about his
non-surgical treatment of low back pain disorders