This paper presents the results of a field study in the Hannover area (Federal Republic of Germany) . 5,759 people injured in traffic accidents, were examined with regard to injuries of the cervical spine. 2.1% received injuries of the cervical spine; 1.04% morphologically non—definable injuries (AIS=1), and 0.97% bony or ligamentary injuries (AIS>1). The definition of the ‘whiplash injury’ is elucidated, and the risk for these particular injuries is described, according to the type of traffic participation of the injured.