Headrests Are for Much More Than Comfort

Did you know your headrest is a safety feature? In 1969, federal regulations required automobile makers to include head restraints. The headrest prevents extreme changes in neck position from rear-end crashes which cause whiplash. To work optimally, headrests should be adjusted based on the proportions of the person in the seat.

Headrests should be as high at the top of your head and as close to your head as possible. If your headrest locks in place, you should lock the restraint after you adjust it. Both the driver and the passenger should adjust the rests to levels appropriate for each.

Click on the link below for a printable guide to adjusting your head restraint. According to Progressive, nearly 2 million rear-impact crashes per year result in 400,000 neck injuries. Take a few moments to protect yourself and your passengers.

Head Restrait Safety Brochure (~1.1 MB). Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader (free).