Note last paragraph of this story:
San Francisco crash survivors show unusual pattern of spinal injuries | CTV News
Meanwhile, Okonkwo said assuming the "crash position" -- leaning forward with the head as far down as possible and arms over it -- can limit the spine jolting back and forth and offer some protection. It's not clear ifs any survivors of Saturday's crash had time to do so.
Pity they didn't have a Brace, Brace warning. (Yes I knows there was no time to give one - let's stay on thread)