When sitting in a car, we often think of the headrest as a component that provides comfort. However, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the headrest not only provides comfort but also plays a crucial role in protecting the body, especially the neck, during an accident.
A recent report from IIHS shared on X (Twitter) highlights that properly adjusting the headrest can minimize the risk of neck injuries in the event of a collision, particularly a rear-end collision. In fact, rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in the United States, accounting for approximately 83% of recorded neck injury claims in auto insurance.
Research from the National Library of Medicine also indicates that during an accident, the headrest can prevent injuries such as neck sprains, strains, and even more severe spinal injuries. However, many drivers do not pay attention to adjusting the headrest correctly, and some even remove or rotate it because they feel uncomfortable. This increases the risk of injury when a collision occurs.
The headrest in a car plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of its occupants.
The headrest in a car is essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. In the event of a rear-end collision, the headrest helps keep the head and neck stable, minimizing serious injuries such as whiplash (cervical spine injury). The headrest supports the head and neck, encouraging an upright sitting posture, reducing stress on the neck and shoulder muscles, and thus alleviating fatigue during long drives.
How the Headrest Functions in an Accident
When a vehicle is struck from behind, it is propelled forward, and due to inertia, the occupant’s body moves with the seat. However, if the head is not supported by the headrest, it will lag behind, causing whiplash—a type of injury where the neck is suddenly bent and stretched.
To prevent this, the head and body must move together throughout the collision process. This can only be achieved if the headrest is high enough and positioned close to the occupant’s head. IIHS recommends that the height of the headrest should be equal to or higher than the top of the occupant’s head, and the distance from the headrest to the occupant’s head should be minimized as much as possible. The structure of the seat and the firmness of the headrest must also be designed to work together effectively, protecting the neck and head in the event of an accident.
The headrest is designed to be comfortable, helping you relax and rest better during travel. Proper use of the headrest helps minimize health issues related to the cervical spine, such as pain and numbness.
Properly Adjusting the Headrest
To ensure the headrest functions optimally, it is important to adjust it correctly. If your car has an adjustable headrest, raise it so that the top of the headrest is level with the top of your head. For taller individuals, if the headrest cannot reach the top of the head, raise it to its highest position. Conversely, if you are shorter, you may not need to make significant adjustments.
Additionally, to ensure the headrest is always close to the back of your head, you can also adjust the angle of the seat to suit your preference. Some vehicle models even offer the ability to move the headrest forward and backward, allowing occupants to find the safest and most comfortable position.
You can also adjust the angle of the seat to suit your preference.
The headrest is typically made from soft materials such as foam, fabric, or leather to create a comfortable resting surface. The materials used must ensure high durability to withstand impacts during use. Some headrest designs allow for angle adjustments to match the user’s sitting posture, enhancing comfort.
Driving Considerations
One common but very dangerous habit is that many people prefer to flip or remove the headrest because they feel it is obstructive, especially those with long hair, ponytails, or who wear hair clips. However, this action can lead to serious injuries in the event of a rear-end collision. Plastic claw clips, if worn at the back of the head while driving, can also become a source of additional injury. Therefore, regardless of your hairstyle, ensure that the headrest is always adjusted correctly to provide optimal protection in emergencies.
Do not underestimate the importance of properly adjusting the headrest.
The center of the headrest is often designed to be concave to fit snugly against the nape, stabilizing the head and minimizing sudden movement during a collision. The sides of the headrest are typically higher to support the head and limit lateral movement. Most modern headrests are height-adjustable to accommodate different individual heights, ensuring optimal protection effectiveness. The headrest height is usually designed to comply with international safety standards, ensuring effective protection in various collision scenarios.
The headrest in a car, often overlooked or improperly adjusted, is a crucial factor in protecting occupants from serious injuries during collisions. Do not underestimate the importance of properly adjusting the headrest – this is one of the simple yet vital elements in keeping you and your loved ones safe on every journey.
