Dr. Craig Hennie recently received his certification in traumatology from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego. This designation shows that Hennie is an expert in this specialized area of science, which requires insight into the physics of the actual crash mechanics and the occupant kinematics—or motions resulting from the crash—as well as the latest diagnostic methods and treatments approachesThe Spine Institute of San Diego, established in 1999, provides training in treating a wide range of injuries and conditions resulting from motor vehicle trauma. The institute continues to conduct testing on car crashes to gain insight on patient conditions following car accidents. The institute confers this highest level of certification to only 100 physicians each year.The number of fatalities from motor vehicle collisions (MVC) has reached an all-time low in recent years due to the improvement of vehicle safety features. But the low fatality statistics tells only half of the story. Figures that are less often reported are the millions of non-fatal crashes that raise the annual estimated comprehensive price tag of MVC to more than $346 billion. The majority of these occur at speed changes of under 15 mph according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.Three million of these crashes result in whiplash-type injuries, according to the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, contributing about $43 billion (12%) to this huge comprehensive cost. This is one motivation behind the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) practice of evaluating and ranking the relative safety of cars with regard to whiplash protection.