35.74. Proper adjustment of head restraints can significantly reduce the risk of injury:
UAПравильне налаштування підголівників може значно зменшити ризик травмування:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns passive safety in a car and reducing the consequences of traffic accidents. A properly adjusted headrest helps protect the head and neck, especially during a rear-end collision, when inertia causes the head to jerk backward sharply and the so-called whiplash injury of the cervical spine may occur. Understanding this topic is important not only for the theoretical exam but also for everyday safe driving.
The question tests knowledge of the sections of the traffic rules related to road safety (definition in point 1.10) and the driver's responsibilities before starting to drive (point 2.3). The logic is simple: the driver must ensure the vehicle is in good working order and complete, and also use passive safety devices. The headrest is one such device, and its effectiveness directly depends on proper adjustment to the driver's height and seating position.
The option stating that adjusting headrests reduces the risk of injury is correct, because the headrest limits dangerous backward movement of the head and supports the back of the head. The opposite answer is incorrect: if the headrest is set too low or too far from the head, protection is significantly weakened, and the risk of neck and spinal injuries increases. In practice, the headrest should be positioned so that its working part is at the level of the back of the head, the top edge is at the crown or slightly above, and the distance to the head is minimal without discomfort and without restricting the view when turning the head.
Clause 1.10 (the term “Road Traffic Safety”)
Road traffic safety is the condition of the road traffic process that determines the degree of protection of its participants from road accidents and their consequences.
Brief application: the question about the correct adjustment of head restraints directly concerns the reduction of the consequences of road accidents (neck/head injuries), that is, the increase of road traffic safety as defined by the Traffic Rules.
Clause 2.3 (driver’s duties), subclause “b”
The driver is obliged: before driving, to check and ensure the technical serviceability and completeness of the vehicle.
Brief application: head restraints belong to the elements of the vehicle’s interior equipment; their correct installation/readiness to perform their protective function logically falls under the check of the condition and completeness of the vehicle before starting to drive.
Clause 2.3 (driver’s duties), subclause “v”
The driver is obliged: to use seat belts and not to transport passengers who are not wearing seat belts, if the vehicle is equipped with such means.
Brief application: although this subclause directly refers to seat belts, the exam question checks the general principle of the Traffic Rules regarding the use of passive safety devices to reduce the risk of injury; the head restraint is such a device and its effectiveness depends on correct adjustment.
Thus, the correct answer is “Yes.”, given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, road traffic safety includes the protection of participants from the consequences of road accidents, and the driver is obliged to ensure the serviceability and use of passive safety devices, which include the head restraint (effective only when properly adjusted).
The headrest in a car is intended not so much for comfort as it is an element of passive safety. If the vehicle's design includes headrests, their presence is mandatory, and proper use directly affects the level of protection for the driver and passengers.
The headrest most often "works" during a rear-end collision. In such a situation, the seat along with the car body suddenly moves forward, the person's torso is pressed against the backrest and moves with the car, while the head, due to inertia, tilts backward with a delay. It is this sharp "jerk" in the cervical spine that can cause whiplash injury and damage to the cervical vertebrae. A properly adjusted headrest limits excessive backward movement of the head and reduces the risk of such injuries.
For the headrest to truly protect, it needs to be adjusted to your height and seating position. The guideline is simple: the working part of the headrest should support the back of the head, and the top edge of the headrest should ideally be at the level of the top of the head or slightly above. At the same time, it is important that the headrest does not interfere with turning your head when checking the road.
The distance between the back of the head and the headrest is no less important: the smaller it is, the more effective the protection in a rear-end collision. If the head is far from the headrest, during an accident it will have time to jerk sharply backward before contacting it, increasing the risk of injury. If necessary, this distance can also be reduced by properly adjusting the seat backrest.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes," because a properly adjusted headrest supports the back of the head, limits dangerous backward movement of the head during a collision (especially from the rear), and thus significantly reduces the risk of neck and spinal injuries.