Head Restraints

Neck injuries are reported by more than 1 in 5 drivers that are struck in a rear-end collision. Proper use and/or adjustment of the head restraint can protect you from neck injury if you are involved in a traffic collision.

The problem, however, is that many drivers do not know the proper and safest position for their vehicle’s head restraint. Not only is that a problem, but you should also know that not all head restraints are the same. Some do not adjust at all, while others adjust up and down. Some adjust up and down and/or tilt back and forth. Before entering your vehicle,
you should know how to adjust your head restraint and use this information on how to adjust it properly for you.

Proper Head Restraint Use

To ensure your head restraint offers you the best protection possible, you should be seated in an upright, comfortable sitting or driving position, facing forward. While in this position, you should reach behind you to adjust the head restraint. Ideally, the top of the head restraint should be even with the top of your head and no lower than 2 ½ inches below the top of your head. If the head restraint has a lock, make certain that it is locked in place when you have it adjusted to the right height.

Once you have the proper height on the head restraint, you should now check the distance between your head and the head restraint. Your head should be as close to the restraint as possible and no further than 2 ½ inches away. If you have a tilting head restraint, it should be adjusted accordingly. If yours doesn’t tilt, you may be able to make an adjustment by adjusting the height of the seat.