Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Use your headrest to save your neck
A study conducted for the insurance industry uncovered startling facts about the use of headrests in vehicles.
It found that 53 per cent of drivers had their headrests adjusted so inadequately that they would not protect them from injury in a rear-end collision.
Only 14 per cent had this vital safety equipment adjusted properly.
Protection, not just comfort
“Taking a few seconds to make sure your head and neck are properly protected by this equipment can save you years of pain,” said Lou Gervino, manager of Driver Education at Manitoba Public Insurance. “Head rests are more for protection than comfort.”
The top of the headrest should be even with the top of the occupant’s head and no more than five to 10 centimetres away from the back of the head. Some drivers like to recline their seat slightly, but that can mean their head is too far from the headrest.
“Soft tissue injuries like those caused by many rear-end collisions cost insurers billions of dollars a year,” said Lou. “They can cause years of pain and inconvenience.
Simple and effective
“It’s such a simple adjustment to make, and such an effective one – it is estimated that proper use could reduce neck injuries by 40 per cent.”
Lou said drivers and passengers should take advantage of all the safety equipment in vehicles, including understanding the functions of seatbelts and airbags.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV, or visit the following sections on this website:
- Air Bags in Occupant Protection
- Head Restraints in Occupant Protection
- Head Restraints in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second Driver video on Head Restraints directly
