Using your headrests for comfort and safety
Adjusting your headrest
Conclusion
Using your headrests for comfort and safety
The headrests in your car provide crucial safety and comfort as you drive. Without your headrests in your car or without them properly adjusted, you risk pain, chronic issues and, in the case of an accident, potentially life-threatening injuries. When it comes to comfort, your headrests will support your head which is the foundation of a good posture. Good posture and proper support for your head will prevent any straining or aching that could have otherwise been easily avoided. Your headrest will also help to prevent excess head movement when driving over a rough road and/or braking.
In terms of safety, all of the benefits in regards to comfort also qualify as benefits for safety in terms of the possible prevention of chronic issues. However, the safety that your headrest will provide goes far beyond preventing long term neck and shoulder pain. In the case of a collision, your headrest will limit the range of motion that your head will instantly experience. This can prevent fractures, whiplash, paralysis and even death. This is why driving without your headrest is illegal and can result in a pricey ticket.
Adjusting your headrest
It is not just enough to have your headrest in the car, you must make sure that it is adjusted properly in combination with your seat, specific to your particular needs. As a rule of thumb, your headrest should always reach the top of your head or, at the very least, the top of your ears. Also, there should never be more than four or five inches of space between your head and the headrest at any time as you drive. If you find physical discomfort with any of this, try adjusting the angle of the upper portion of your seat and/or the distance of the seat from the pedals. You will not need to adjust your headrest each time you get in your car, once you get it correct you can keep it in that position.
Conclusion
Your car’s headrest is a much larger part of your overall comfort and safety than it might initially seem. The headrest will support your head and neck which will prevent pain and discomfort. Your headrest will also provide tremendous safety for you in case you are involved in an accident. Without a headrest, you are at much higher risk during a car accident of getting whiplash, fractures, paralysis or even worse. Always drive with your headrest installed and properly adjusted.
