Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Airbags and headrests keep you in place
Your seatbelt isn’t the only device that protects you in case of an accident. Airbags and head restraints also prevent death and serious injury – but only when used properly.
Airbags don’t replace belts
Driver and passenger side airbags are designed to protect in front-impact accidents by keeping you from striking the steering wheel or dashboard. They don’t protect you in rear-impact or side-impact collisions, or in rollovers.
Airbags aren’t for kids
Airbags inflate extremely quickly, which gives them potential to cause injury. That’s why children 12 or under should remain properly secured in the back seat.
Keep your distance
To prevent injury, make sure your airbag has room to deploy fully. Sit against the seat back and adjust your seat so that you are the right distance from the steering wheel or dashboard. The driver should be sitting at least 25 cm from the steering wheel.
Headrests prevent whiplash
Headrests aren’t just for comfort. Their purpose is to prevent whiplash in rear-impact accidents. Unfortunately, most people don’t adjust their headrests properly.
Set the headrest at head-top level
To protect your neck, adjust
your headrest so that the top is
even with the top of your head.
The headrest should be close to the
back of
your head – about 4 cm –
so make sure your seat back isn’t
in a “recline” position.
Don’t forget the rear seats
If your vehicle has rear seat headrests make sure they’re also correctly adjusted.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV, see the following topics in our Road Safety section:
- Air Bags in Occupant Protection
- Head Restraints in Occupant Protection
- You can access the 60-Second Driver video on Head Restraints directly
