Have You Given Much Thought to Your Car’s Headrests?

The name can be deceiving: headrests. It is a place to rest your head, right? The padding on the back of your seat that supports your head and neck is not for resting – it is actually a restraint device. When properly positioned, your vehicle’s headrest can reduce your risk for soft tissue injuries in a vehicle crash. Very often, vehicles have improperly positioned headrests, but if you take the time to adjust your own, you could reduce your injuries in a rear-end collision anywhere from 24 to 44 percent.

Not All Headrests are Versatile

Most headrests will move up and down, but there are some that also move backwards and forwards. Ideally, you want your headrest to be comfortable and as close to the back of your head as possible. If your vehicle’s head restraints only move up and down, this may prove problematic.

You do not have to be in a high speed collision to face the risk of serious injury. In fact, studies have shown that accidents at even 32 kilometres per hour can result in injury.

How to Properly Adjust Your Headrest

The headrest is designed to prevent your head from whipping back and forth in a collision. To make sure it is properly adjusted, you will want to readjust every time someone new sits in the driver seat, passenger seat or a rear passenger seat. Use the following tips for proper adjustment:

• Ensure the top of the headrest is at least level with the top of the passenger or driver’s head.
• Position the headrest so that it is as close to the back of the head as possible. The individual’s head does not have to necessarily rest against it. To get the headrest close to the back of the head, you may need to adjust the seat incline or use the back and forth adjustment on the headrest.

Also, remember to use your seatbelt in conjunction with the proper height for the head rest. Doing so will not only reduce your risk of injury, but will also keep insurance costs down if you are ever involved in an accident.

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