What is a safety feature to prevent whiplash in rear-end collisions?

In the context of vehicle safety, headrests play a vital role in preventing whiplash during rear-end collisions. When a car is struck from behind, the sudden inertia can cause the driver's or passenger's head to jerk backward, followed by a forward motion. This rapid movement can strain the neck muscles and lead to whiplash injuries.

Headrests are designed to support the head and neck in such scenarios. They are positioned behind the head, ensuring that when a collision occurs, the head is less likely to move excessively backward. This support helps to limit the range of motion of the head and reduces the risk of neck injury by keeping the head in a more stable position during impact. Properly adjusted headrests, if positioned at the right height and distance from the head, significantly reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.

Other safety features like airbags and seat belts also contribute to overall safety but focus on different types of impacts and general restraint. Anti-lock brakes are designed to prevent wheel lock-up during braking, enhancing control and stopping distance but do not directly prevent whiplash or impact the head and neck during a collision.