The roads were wet in the town of West on Tuesday morning, February 11. The West Police Department had to respond to an accident call that involved one of their own around 8:45 a.m.
The driver, who remains unnamed, crashed into the SUV of Officer Ashley Boyd of the West Police Department on Interstate 35 south near Marable Street.
The officer was taken to Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest for the evaluation and treatment of injuries. It is reported that he suffered no broken bones or serious injuries, only whiplash from the impact of the accident.
Whiplash is an injury caused by the abrupt backward and forward jerking motions sustained by the head and neck during a collision with another vehicle. The onset of symptoms can often be delayed though. Within the first few days of the injury, someone suffering from whiplash can expect:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Pain in the shoulder or in between the shoulder blades
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Pain and/or numbness in the arm/hand
- Sleep disturbances, fatigue, possible irritability
In the past, doctors have treated whiplash with a neck brace type of object to limit the mobility of the neck, but now they are finding it better on the patient if they try to get the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and back moving earlier. Ice is also recommended for the first 24 hours after a whiplash diagnosis.
It is recommended that pain-relieving medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen can provide some relief due to their anti-inflammatory factors.
The West Police department wants to remind people to slow down when the roads are wet to avoid injuries to themselves and others.
Officer Boyd is expected to be back on the job within a few days.
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