Before driving, you likely check your mirrors and position your seat belt. But did you know that taking the time to properly adjust the headrest in your car can help prevent painful neck injuries?

According to the Canada Safety Council, following these headrest adjustment tips can help reduce the number of neck injuries caused by collisions by about 40%.

PROPER HEADREST ADJUSTMENT

To prevent the pain and expense of soft tissue injuries associated with vehicle collisions, experts recommend that drivers do the following:

⇒  Adjust your headrest so that its highest point is level with the top of your head.

⇒ Ensure that there is 5 to 10 centimetres of space between the headrest and the back of your head.

⇒ Lean the back of your head into the headrest prior to a collision if there is enough time. This will help minimize the movement of your head during impact, reducing the likelihood of whiplash.

⇒ Position the centre of the headrest so that it is slightly above the top of the ear.

Above all, it’s always important to wear a safety belt. This, combined with practising good posture, can help drivers avoid additional neck injuries in the event of a crash.