When sitting in a car, we often think of the headrest as a component that enhances 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, in the event of an accident.
A recent report from IIHS shared on X (Twitter) indicates that properly adjusting the headrest can significantly reduce the risk of neck injuries in the event of a collision, particularly rear-end collisions. In fact, rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accidents in the U.S., accounting for approximately 83% of reported neck injuries in auto insurance claims.
Research from the National Library of Medicine also suggests that in the event of an accident, the headrest can prevent injuries such as neck sprains, strains, and even more severe spinal injuries. However, many drivers neglect to adjust their headrests properly, sometimes even removing or rotating them due to discomfort. This increases the risk of injury when a collision occurs.
The headrest in a car plays a vital role in ensuring safety for the occupants.
The headrest is critical for ensuring safety and comfort for passengers. In the event of a rear-end collision, the headrest helps stabilize the head and neck, minimizing serious injuries such as whiplash. The headrest supports the head and neck, encourages an upright sitting position, reduces strain on neck and shoulder muscles, and thus alleviates fatigue from prolonged sitting.
How Headrests Work in Accidents
When a vehicle is struck from behind, it is pushed forward, and due to inertia, the occupant’s body will move 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. 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 at or above the top of the occupant’s head, and the distance from the headrest to the 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 to protect the neck and head in the event of an accident.
The headrest is designed to be soft, helping you relax and rest better during travel. Proper headrest use helps minimize health issues related to the cervical spine, such as pain and numbness.
How to Properly Adjust the Headrest
For the headrest to function optimally, it is essential 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 the highest position. Conversely, if you are shorter, you may not need to adjust it much.
Additionally, to ensure the headrest is always close to the back of your head, you should also adjust the angle of the seat to fit. Some car models even offer the ability to move the headrest forward and backward, allowing occupants to find the safest and most comfortable headrest position.
You can also adjust the angle of the seat to fit.
Headrests are often made from soft materials such as foam, fabric, or leather to provide comfort when resting your head. The materials used must ensure high durability to withstand impacts during use. Some headrest models can adjust the tilt angle to suit the user’s sitting posture, enhancing comfort.
Driving Safety Tips
One common but very dangerous habit is that many people prefer to flip or remove the headrest because it feels cumbersome, especially those with long hair, ponytails, or using 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 exacerbate injuries. Therefore, regardless of your hairstyle, ensure that the headrest is always properly adjusted to provide the best 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 of the neck, helping to stabilize the head and minimize sudden movement during a collision. The sides of the headrest are typically higher to support the head and limit lateral movement. Most modern headrests can be adjusted in height to fit each individual, ensuring optimal protection. The height of the headrest is generally designed to comply with international safety standards, ensuring effective protection in various collision scenarios.
The headrest in a car, although often overlooked or improperly adjusted, is a crucial element in protecting occupants from serious injuries during collisions. Do not underestimate the importance of properly adjusting the headrest – it is one of the simplest yet most significant factors in keeping you and your loved ones safe on every journey.
