Petrol, diesel and electric car drivers could increase their chance of suffering from whiplash in a car accident by wearing one simple hair accessory behind the wheel, according to experts. Tying hair up in a plastic claw clip may appear harmless but could actually be dangerous in the event of a collision.
In a crash, motorists' heads are likely to lunge forwards before hitting the back of the headrest. As the head moves back onto the headrest, plastic claws can get wedged between the car and road users skull. Headrests are designed to keep motorists' heads aligned in a crash, preventing the risk of necks breaking.
The fashion item can also push motorists' head forward, creating a “dangerous gap” which could become unprotected in a crash.
Experts at Vertu said: “The headrest in your car isn’t just there for comfort, it is a critical safety feature designed to protect your neck and spine in a crash by keeping your head properly aligned.
“For it to work effectively, your head should be close to the headrest, with the top level with your ears and no more than two or three inches away. But wearing a claw clip pushes your head forward, creating a dangerous gap that can increase the risk of whiplash.
“Worse still, in a collision, the hard plastic claws can be forced into the back of your head or neck, potentially causing serious injury.
“Because of this, we always recommend that drivers wear alternatives like soft scrunchies or bobbles, and double-check that their headrest is in the correct position before setting off.”
Back in 2023, university student Jeena Panesar suffered serious injuries when a large hair clip was lodged into the back of her head after a crash. The student had to undergo surgery in hospital and spent six weeks recovering at home.
Doctors told her that a plastic claw clip had played a role in the damage with Jeena now urging individuals to take precautions.
She said: "The doctors told me I had a 30cm-cut from my left eyebrow to the back of my head, which they thought was caused by the car roof and my hair clip.
"I want to advise people to take out their hair claw clips before driving because I'm worried it could happen to someone else.”
