In an effort to reduce whiplash injuries, the U.S. government proposes new safety standards to upgrade vehicle head restraints. The proposal includes a recommendation to measure compliance using the ICBC Head Restraint Measuring Device.
ICBC's HRMD is used by Automobile Manufacturers and Automobile Seating Suppliers to design seats that are effective in preventing some whiplash injuries. It is designed to give accurate and repeatable measurements of head restraint position in relation to a seated 50th percentile male occupant.
For more information or to order the HMRD contact:
John Gane, Manager Vehicle Safety and Research
ICBC
T: (604) 661-6504
F: (604) 443-4155
About 67 percent of all injuries in collisions are soft-tissue related (many commonly referred to as whiplash). These injuries cost each policy holder approximately $190 per year. Good head restraint design and proper adjustment may prevent these injuries. In order to be effective, the head restraint must be adjusted properly.
A
properly adjusted head restraint prevents the head and neck from
extending backwards on impact, significantly reducing the risk of
injury.
ICBC uses a Head Restraint Measuring Device to test the effectiveness of head restraints and provide ratings.
Proper adjustment
To
offer effective protection during a rear-end collision, the head
restraint must be adjusted:
A head restraint is rated on the following scale:
1994-2000 Model Year |
2001 Model Year |
||
| GOOD: | the head restraint is not more than 12 cm down from the top of the head, and not more than 10 cm back from the back of the head. | GOOD: | the head restraint is not more than 7 cm from the back of the head, and not more than 6 cm down from the top of the head. |
| FAIR: | if either of these measurements are exceeded, but within 15 cm down from the top of the head and within 12 cm back. | ACCEPTABLE: | is 7 to 9 cm from the back of the head and/or 6 to 8 cm down from the top of the head. |
| POOR: | head restraints exceed either of the "fair" measurements. | MARGINAL: | the head restraint is 9 to 11 cm from the back of the head and/or 8 to 10 cm down from the top of the head. |
| POOR: | head restraint exceeds one or both of the "marginal" measurements. | ||
(Note: These scales are based on head restraint adjustment for an average size male occupant. Your own fit may be better or worse depending on your size and driving posture.)
