Driver training specialist IAM Drive and Survive is offering tips to drivers on how to avoid whiplash

Driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive is offering weekly motoring tips to drivers from its head of training, Simon Elstow. This week he is advising on how to avoid whiplash:

• Keep a good distance in front of you so that you can slow down gently when you need to.
• Except in an emergency, always look in the mirror before braking. Knowing what the car behind is doing is the best way to avoid getting hit from behind.
• Make sure you have a properly adjusted head restraint. The top of the head restraint should be level with the top of your head for maximum safety.
• Anticipate the traffic ahead and drive to avoid stopping as often – slowing down earlier gives the driver behind more time to react.
• Try and signal early for junctions to give time for the traffic behind you to react.
• Keep your foot lightly on the footbrake as traffic approaches from behind to show brake lights as a warning, until you are sure it is stopping.

Elstow said: “The rise in whiplash compensation claims is driving up car insurance. Avoid injury and a hit to your insurance premium by following the above advice.”