Car Seat Headrest - Making Sure It Is Adjusted Correctly

How To Correctly Adjust Your Car Headrest -
To Reduce The Severity Of A Whiplash Injury

I thought I'd start my blog with a topical subject, as I've just recently purchased a new car and had to go through this process myself. The majority of people, I see, on the road don't have their head restraints adjusted properly.

Studies show that correctly positioned head restraints can reduce reported neck pain after a whiplash neck injury. Drivers with properly adjusted head restraints reported 40% fewer instances of neck pain than those with poorly positioned ones.

Step 1: Adjusting the Height of Your Car Seat Head Restraint: A low car seat head restraint can cause injury as the head pivots over the top in a rear end collision. The first step is ensuring the correct height. Adjust the head restraint up or down until the center of the head restraint at least meets the center of the back of your head (eye level) or higher.

Step 2: Check for Forward Head Position: Every inch your head sits forward of the restraint magnifies the force of injury to your neck. Having your head forward by a mere two inches significantly magnifies the force on the head and as a result the severity of the injury. The distance between your head and the head restraint (backset) should not be more than 4 finger widths.

Bottom Line: Take the time to adjust your head restraint correctly - Doing so could prevent a lifetime of disability and pain.