Car Wreck Pictures

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.