WHIPLASH COMPLAINT

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32637, 19 June 1971, Page 21

WHIPLASH COMPLAINT

A chiropractor has criticised the Ministry of Transport for "not taking positive steps” to ensure that cars are equipped with head rests to reduce spinal injuries from whip-lash. Dr L. C. Blackboum (Auckland) chairman of the spinal injuries committee of the New Zealand Chiropractors Association, made this point at the forty-second annual conference of the association in Christchurch. “It is now two years since the association formally expressed its concern to the Government and the Automobile Association about the increasing frequency of whiplash injuries resulting from a collision at the rear of a car,” said Dr Blackbum.

“This lethargy is a disgrace and reflects poorly on a Ministry and a Government which professes concern at the mounting road toll,” he said.

“In the United States headrestraining devices are recognised as. an important safety feature, and legislation setting out minimum standards has been in force for new cars since January, 1969,” said Dr Blackboum. “In 1969 the New Zealand Ministry of Transport said it was not in a position to investigate 'the prevention of whip-lash injuries ' and referred us to the Standards Association.

“Then in 1971, in reply to further comment from the association, the Ministry said that the whole question of road safety research would be considered by a Parliamentary select committee.”