Automobile collisions are complex events, and during a crash one person can be injured while another — in the same car, even — may be symptom-free.

What are the risk factors for developing chronic pain from a car crash? In this section, we've reviewed some of the most important studies that examine the role of gender, head position, and other factors that can increase the chance of being injured in a crash.

Seating Position and Gender as Risk Factors for Whiplash Injury
This study found that women are as much as three times more likely to be injured in a crash then men and that where an occupant is sitting also plays an important role.

Head Restraint Effectiveness in Real World Conditions
Researchers recorded the head restraint positioning of 4,287 drivers in Portland, OR, and found that only 10% had their head restraint properly adjusted.

Here's an interesting video by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on how most modern cars have terrible head restraints.

(If you have trouble opening the videos, visit the IIHS site here and click on the videos link.)

Who is at Risk of Developing Chronic Whiplash?
Does living in the suburbs put you at risk of being in a whiplash crash?

Women and Men: Biomechanics and Gender in Whiplash
This study found that women experience dramatically higher strains on their necks when exposed to rear end impacts.

Women Are Physically More Susceptible to Whiplash Injury
This is another report that shows why women are more likely to be injured in an automobile collision.

Do Modern Cars Increase the Risk of Whiplash Injury?
This study by leading whiplash researchers found that modern vehicles are designed to prevent property damage during a low speed crash — but that this may put occupants at risk.

Head Restraint Positioning Increases Risk of Injury in Whiplash
This study dramatically shows what happens with an improperly adjusted head restraint.

Crash-Related Factors and Risk of Whiplash Injury
Of all types of collisions, the most likely to create whiplash symptoms are collisions from the rear.