Whiplash 2010 Update

Thatcham’s last release of results for 2008 Model Year had only 35% of seats rated as ‘Good’. The results of the 2010 Model Year seat testing at Thatcham reveal an improvement in the number of seats rated as ‘GOOD’. We now see that 51% of seats are rated as ‘GOOD’ for offering protection against debilitating whiplash injuries. Manufacturers are continuing to take the prevention of whiplash injuries seriously.

Many drivers are often ‘out of position’ in an accident – for example they are leaning forward to see around a corner at a junction. The Pro-Active Head Restraint (PAHR) technologies can offer additional protection in these complex out of position situations, such as roundabouts or junctions.

When the crash sensors on the car detect a rear impact of the defined severity the control unit deploys the head restraint by activating pre-loaded springs inside it. The front of the head restraint moves up and forward to meet and support the head early in the crash phase, and thus helps to reduce the risk of injury.

BMW this year have joined Volvo, Saab and Audi as the latest ‘All Good’ manufacturer with their Pro-Active Head Restraint design. The ‘All Good’ manufacturers have seats rated as ‘Good’ in each and every new model on sale.