In a video released on Twitter today, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) underscores the necessity of having a car seat’s head restraint properly adjusted. While commonly referred to as headrests, these components are technically known as head restraints and serve to protect your head during an accident rather than to provide maximum comfort. For these restraints to function effectively and ensure your safety, they must be adjusted correctly, a step that many drivers overlook.
Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of automobile accident in the United States, causing neck injuries that account for up to 83 percent of all reported injuries in U.S. auto insurance claims, as highlighted by a study from the National Library of Medicine. A well-adjusted head restraint can mitigate neck sprains, strains, and more severe spinal injuries. Unfortunately, some individuals may alter or remove head restraints for comfort, despite their design prioritizing whiplash protection while aiming to minimize discomfort. Because every individual is different, some may struggle to find a comfortable alignment.
Individuals with long hair often report discomfort from head restraints while using a ponytail or hair clip, but removing or incorrectly positioning these restraints can lead to serious and preventable injuries. Some experts even caution against wearing plastic claw clips on the back of the head while driving, as they could exacerbate injuries in a rear-end crash. Regardless of hair type, appropriately adjusted head restraints are essential for reducing injuries during accidents. According to IIHS
When a vehicle is hit from behind and propelled forward, the occupants’ torsos move along with their seats. If a head is not supported by a head restraint, it lags behind, leading to bending and stretching of the neck due to the difference in motion. The quicker the torso accelerates, the more abrupt the movement, which increases the forces on the neck, heightening the chance of injury.
The key to minimizing the risk of whiplash is to ensure the head and torso move in unison. For this to happen, the head restraint must be appropriately positioned—high enough and close to the back of the head. The seat’s structural integrity must also complement the head restraint in supporting the occupant’s head and neck while being pushed forward with the torso in an accident. This is why effective head restraints are crucial.
To ensure head restraints function as intended, proper adjustment is essential. The top of the head restraint should be aligned with the top of your head. If you are taller and the head restraint falls short, set it to its highest position. Conversely, if you are shorter, you might not need any adjustments. You may also have to tilt the seat’s recline to shorten the gap between your head and the restraint, as some head restraints can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally.
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