Should You Tense Up or Stay Loose in a Car Crash? The Science Behind Impact Survival

Ever heard that being relaxed during a car crash can reduce your chances of injury? It's a common trope in movies and pops up in anecdotal news stories. But what does science actually say about the best way to survive a car crash? Let's dive into the facts and debunk the myths.

The Myth of the Relaxed Body

The idea behind staying loose during a collision is that your body parts can move independently, distributing the force of impact across a wider area. This supposedly increases the duration of your body's reaction to the impact, allowing you to "roll with the punches."

A classic example often cited is that paramedics and doctors report drunk drivers sustain fewer injuries compared to sober drivers. The logic is that drunk people are less aware and slower to react, making them a real-world illustration of the benefits of staying loose.

The Problem with Headlines

It's easy to get caught up in sensational headlines and take them as fact. However, the reality is often far more complicated. Headlines can frame the same news in various ways, and they don't always tell the whole story.

The Science of Vehicular Collisions

Fortunately, numerous studies have investigated the science of car crashes. This is due to the high frequency of fatal crashes worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.3 million people die each year from road traffic crashes. Car accident injuries are also a leading cause of death for those aged 5 to 29.

Research Methods

These studies use various methods, including:

Computer models and simulations
Sled tests: Subjects are strapped into a sled on a track and repeatedly crashed at specific speeds and distances while being monitored with accelerometers, force sensors, and high-speed cameras.
Human subjects: Both crash dummies and human volunteers (both living and cadaveric) are used.

Bracing for Impact: The Findings

The effects of bracing for impact are not uniform throughout the body. A 2008 study by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine found that bracing increases the likelihood of injuries to the lower extremities (legs). However, it also reduces the movement of the chest, leading to a lower likelihood of injuries to the upper body.

A 2011 study in Japan compared injury risk between an "active human body" and a cadaver. The results indicated that muscle activity during bracing could constrain the upper body during frontal impacts, potentially causing more bone fracture risks in the upper and lower extremities. The cadaveric model sustained more rib fracture risks than the active human model.

The Trade-Off

Bracing for impact involves stiffening your joints to create more rigid and stable limbs. During a collision, your arms and legs push the rest of your body back into the seat, preventing movement and reducing the severity of injuries to the torso, neck, and head. The trade-off is that the fragile points of articulation along your limbs absorb more force, leading to more injuries in those areas.

Expert Opinions

Experienced chiropractor Dr. James Phipps notes that "research shows that people who are aware of an impending collision and have time to brace for impact have better long-term outcomes and less injury."

Dr. Keith McGahey asserts that "your muscles are your best defense against a whiplash injury" and that "people in car crashes who are unaware and unprepared for the collision are likely to suffer a worse whiplash injury than those who are aware."

What to Do in an Impending Collision

Brace your head against the headrest: Use your feet and arms to push yourself back into the seat without locking your elbows and knees. This stabilizes your back, neck, and head, minimizing movement.
Keep looking forward: Turning your head, even slightly, significantly increases the risk of neck injuries.
Tense every muscle in your body: Contracted muscles protect your internal structures, such as organs, nerves, and ligaments, and generally heal more successfully.

Prioritize Protection

Tensing up before a crash may increase the risk of injuries to your arms and legs, but it secures your spine, neck, and head. Injuries to these areas are often far more serious and potentially life-threatening, making their protection paramount.

Conclusion

While the idea of staying loose during a car crash might seem appealing, the science suggests that bracing for impact is the better option. By tensing your muscles and stabilizing your body, you can protect your vital organs and reduce the risk of severe injuries. Remember to always prioritize safety and be prepared for the unexpected.