Adjust Your Headrest For Protection From Whiplash

With convertible cars enjoying something of a renaissance, designers and car manufacturers are developing more stringent anti-whiplash measures.

In the past, those looking to enjoy the experience of open-air driving have, to a degree, had to compromise on safety. Because of the nature and designs of retractable rooftops, convertible cars have not had access to the same safety measures enjoyed by hardtop automobiles. Seat design has had to accommodate the height of the retractable roof and airbags have had to be compromised - often with the side airbags being absent altogether.

New affordable safety technology

However, advancing technologies have created a new head protection system that will package more neatly into future convertible models - and at a price that is anticipated to be much lower than implementing current safety measures. Modern precautions are often very expensive, particularly where convertible cars are concerned. Convertibles are often made in limited editions, leaving manufacturers to improvise hardtop safety measures and offering standards that can be slightly compromised.

There have been developed a system that integrates into the seat's backrest and doesn't rely on an integrated headrest. Headrests are a vital component in reducing the effects of the whiplash motion. During a rear or side impact collision, the spine can be forced to imitate the motion of a whip, rippling in a whip-like action. The head is thrown forward and then back at speeds that are unnatural for the human body and the spinal column and surrounding soft tissues can often be stretched beyond their normal range of motion. The result is that the soft tissues can tear, bruise or be overstretched to such an extent that painful and often debilitating whiplash symptoms occur.

Integrated headrests leave the motorist no room for adjustment. Placing the headrest in the proper position can interrupt the backwards motion of the head. According to the Department for Health and Safety, the upper middle section of the headrest should be adjusted so that it is in line with your eyes.

The importance of airbags as a safety feature

The importance of airbags in preventing whiplash has also been well documented and they are now fitted as standard in modern cars. Just as headrests interrupt the backward motion of the whiplash effect, airbags interrupt the forward motion - as well as protecting the head from hard surfaces such as the steering wheel or dashboard. Convertible car owners are now being offered greater levels of protection than ever before. For example, the 2010Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, one of the newest convertible models with an exemplary safety roster, has nine airbags plus Neck-Pro active head restraints, and a pop- up roll bar.

Many convertible cars featuring these new safety precautions are now in production. Eighteen models have been launched this year in Europe alone. As interest grows in soft top cars, demand for higher safety standards increases with it. According to TRW, there are already plans to release 'second generation' convertibles in 2013 - all of which will feature these new systems. Those looking to enjoy the experience of driving with the 'roof down' can now do so, safe in the knowledge that their personal safety is being taken as seriously as it is for those who prefer to drive standard, hardtop models.