This procedure enables the user to evaluate the geometry of head restraints with respect to their ability to reduce neck injuries in vehicle rear impacts. Various statistical and biomechanical research studies have illustrated the importance of head restraints in limiting neck injuries in vehicle rear impacts. Head restraint geometry, the horizontal and vertical measurement between the head and the restraint, has been shown to be important in reducing the so-called “whiplash” injury. Research has also indicated that optimising these measurements can reduce the likelihood of injury in rear crashes. With this in mind, the Research Council for Automobile Repairs (RCAR) has issued this procedure to evaluate head restraints, based on geometric criteria, as good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. (Author/publisher)
Abstract