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Injury time?

Sitting behind the wheel of my stationary car, I watched in my mirror, with less than eager anticipation, a car sliding downhill on an icy, ungritted, side road towards me. Luckily, he slid across the road just in time. Instead of my previous life fleeting through my brain, momentarily I reflected that I wasn't sure of the safest position to adopt. Towards the wheel or pressed back into the chair? Braced, as on a plane? Hands over face? And what if the car was approaching from the front or the side? Your advice, as ever, would be appreciated as winter may present further unpleasant experiences.

Asked on 28 November 2011 by SG, via email

Answered by Honest John
Depends on whether or not you can take evasive action and what part of your car he is sliding towards. If you can't take evasive action and he is sliding towards the driver's side, then try to hop across to the passenger side where you are less likely to be crushed. If towards the rear of the car, then brace your head against the head restraint to try to prevent whiplash injury. If towards the front and you can't reverse, also brace your head against the head restraint and hope the airbag goes off. If you can get some movement into the car away from the impact before the impact it will reduce the severity of the shock. Be prepared to sacrifice your car's crumple zones rather than yourself.
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