Abstract
A statistical study of parameters influencing risk of neck symptoms (Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 1 neck injuries) was performed in order to gain more knowledge of the neck injury scenario in frontal and side impacts. The data set consisted of 445 occupants in frontal impacts and 302 occupants in side impacts in Volvo cars. Information regarding the accident, the car, occupant characteristics, behaviour and sitting posture at the time of impact, and neck symptoms (including duration) was collected and analysed. Both in frontal and side impacts, the parameter of tensed neck muscles, crash severity and occupants, who heads were struck against the car interior, turned out to have a significant effect on risk of neck symptoms. (A)