I was thinking today that all the work I am doing to recover will be lost if I had a single car accident, particularly a rear-end whiplash.

I drive a small-size SUV. The laws of physics say that the bigger the car is and the further the shock is from me the smaller the impact.

Isn't that a good reason to upgrade and buy a pickup truck... such as Ford F-150? I really can't afford a whiplash. As ridiculous as it will be to drive a pickup truck in Washington DC

Actually, a pick-up has a strong frame with no crumple zones so it passes energy to the passenger compartment. The safest cars have crumple zones that reduce the G forces transmitted to the passengers. Smaller cars often have the most crumple. My Suburban has totaled two cars but suffered less the $500 damage each time.

There are a number of midsize cars with very good safety records. Subarus have a strong history.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has a database that goes back to 2006 based on their crash test data. Current IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKs

The F-150 is good for front end collisions if it has the front crash prevention system (automated braking system). But, that does not say what the front crash impact forces are or how it tolerates a rear impact.

A whiplash would be worse with a pick-up because they are not designed to absorb rear impacts because they needs strong bumpers to pull trailers.

Historically, Mercedes, BMW's and Volvos were the leaders but other brands/models have caught up.

Keep in mind that airbag systems do not protect below 25 to 30 mph so commute traffic accidents may not cause airbag deployment.

I just traded in my Jeep Grand Cherokee for a new Volvo XC90. The thing is SO SAFE! It can steer itself out of an accident - someone almost clipped my rear end the other day and the car took over and swerved out of the potential wreck. I didn't even know that the other car was close to hitting me until it was all over. Highly recommend it in terms of safety, but there are so many bells and whistles that it can be a frustrating learning curve.