What restraint improvements can be expected in the

What restraint improvements can be expected in the future?

After years of neglect, improved head restraints are beginning to appear. Some auto manufacturers include head restraints that automatically adjust position when the seat is adjusted. Tall occupants who adjust the seat rearward to gain leg room also gain the added protection of a higher head restraint. Other manufacturers have incorporated 'active' systems that automatically improve head restraint position during a crash. For example, the Saab Active Head Restraint and General Motors Catcher's Mitt designs include head restraints attached to a lever arm in the seatback that moves the restraint up and forward as the occupant's back pushes into the seatback. Volvo's WHIPS -- or whiplash injury prevention system seat - combines good head restraint geometry with a special seatback hinge that gently accelerates the seat occupant's torso, thus giving the head restraint time to catch the head before neck distortions become too severe.

Volvo WHIPS seat:

Saab Active Head Restraint