INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
R
The Problem with current headrests:
The uncomfortable headrest:
The headrest available on most low to moderate cost vehicles are conventional headrests that push the head forward while providing no support to the cervical spine. From pushing the head forward it can contribute to eye strain by focusing the eyes downward and may also cause the driver to crane their neck to correct for the forward flexion.
Active Head Restraints
Available on some moderate to luxury vehicles, the active head restraint decreases the injury of whiplash from rear end collisions by positioning the headrest closer to the back of the head. The AHR does reduce the extention of cervical spine but can still cause injuries by failing to decrease the anterior to posterior shearing forces to the cervical spine thereby causing compression to facet joints.
Some newer model cars offer tilting headrests
These headrests provide no support to the neck during collisions and may also cause serious injuries depending on the positioning of the headrest. If positioned below the skull it may cause serious whiplash injuries or potentially sever the spinal cord. If positioned behind the head it may cause hyperflexion of the neck.
The Bottom Line For Potential Investors
According to the National Institute of Highway Safety, whiplash injuries account for approximately 2 million claims and cost $8.5 billion dollars annually in the United States alone.
Even though active head restraints are available in more models they may not be available on lower end vehicles and while they decrease whiplash injury they may not prevent shearing forces or compression of facet joints.
The impact financially due to lost wages or medical care for chronic injuries remains in the billions.
Distracted driving will most likely increase due to cell phones and tablet use while driving causing more rear end accidents.