A Simple Adjustment Can Reduce Pain and Cost of Neck Injuries, but New Survey Shows Drivers Don't Understand the Importance of Head Restraint Positioning
More Than One In Five Rear-Impact Crashes Result In Neck Injury, Costing Consumers Billions
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio — July 22, 2002 —Each year there are nearly two million rear-impact vehicle crashes. Industry data show that more than 20 percent of drivers in rear-impact crashes report neck injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), neck injuries cost the auto insurance industry, and ultimately consumers, more than $7 billion a year. And while their research has also shown properly-positioned head restraints can significantly reduce such injuries, a new survey from Progressive has found that only 14 percent of drivers know the optimal positioning of a head restraint. And, 18 percent of drivers think all vehicles come with head restraints already properly positioned.
As part of its ongoing market research, Progressive (NYSE: PGR), whose companies comprise one of the country's largest auto insurance groups, conducted the survey of 22,600 drivers whose primary vehicle has adjustable head restraints in an effort to understand their perceptions and use of head restraints. The survey results show that 40 percent of drivers do not adjust their head restraint when driving a newly-purchased vehicle and 57 percent don't adjust them even after someone else has driven their vehicle . In addition, 13 percent of drivers "have given no thought" to how high their head restraint should be to protect them from neck injury.
"Fixing the position of your head restraint can help reduce your chances of a neck injury in a rear-impact crash, but the survey tells us that few people are doing it," said John Bindseil, medical claims manager for Progressive. "More than one-third of your auto insurance premium goes to coverages that pay for injuries caused by a car crash, including neck injuries. People should know that proper head restraint adjustment can not only help protect them from injury, but can also help lower the medical costs associated with accidents — which can ultimately help keep the cost of insurance down for all consumers."
The optimal head restraint position is close to the back of the head of a seated occupant — no more than two and a half inches from the back of the head. Additionally, the top of the head restraint should be as high as the top of the occupant's head — no lower than two and a half inches below the top of the head.
"It's also important to note that some adjustable head restraints cannot be locked into place or positioned properly for all drivers. In these cases, drivers should do what they can to protect themselves, such as checking head restraint positioning frequently or adjusting their seat backs," said Bindseil.
Later this year, the IIHS will release the results of a study that looks at improved head restraint designs and their ability to minimize the occurrence of neck injuries in rear-impact crashes.
The Progressive group of insurance companies, in business since 1937, ranks third in the nation for auto insurance and provides drivers with competitive rates and 24/7 service. The companies offer insurance by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, online at progressive.com and through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies. The Progressive Corporation, the holding company, has headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio. More information can be found at progressive.com.
Proper positioning tips and a list of head restraint ratings for the most popular vehicles can be found at progressive.com. Progressive has also made this information available to independent agents on its secure Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com.
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Did You Know...
According to a countrywide survey by Progressive Insurance
We Need An Attitude Adjustment And A Head Restraint Adjustment
Eighteen (18) percent of drivers think all new vehicles come with head restraints already properly adjusted.
When driving a newly-purchased vehicle, 40 percent of drivers said they don't adjust their head restraints and 57 percent don't adjust them even after someone else has driven their vehicle.
So How Far Should It Be?
While head restraints should be positioned as close to the back of the head as possible (less than two and a half inches away), the number one response when asked how far from the back of the head restraints should be was three inches.
Thirty-eight (38) percent of drivers said head restraints should be positioned as high as the top of a driver's or passenger's ears — although according to the IIHS head restraints should ideally be as high as the top of an occupant's head.
Not A Care In The World
Thirteen (13) percent of drivers said they have given no thought to how high the head restraint should be to protect them from a neck injury.
The Last Guy Who Drove It Was as Tall As I Am
Drivers are more likely to adjust head restraints when driving a newly purchased vehicle (58 percent) compared to a rental car (36 percent).
And, 57 percent of drivers said they don't adjust their head restraints when driving a rental car.
Passive Interest For Passengers
Drivers are more likely to adjust the head restraints in their vehicle only if they are the driver of the vehicle (36 percent) — than if they were a passenger in the vehicle (23 percent).
Fuhgetaboutit
Sixty-nine (69) percent of drivers said they don't adjust head restraints before driving long distances.
Not Showing The Wisdom Of Their Years
Survey results show older people (55-64 years old) are less likely to adjust restraints than younger people (18-24 years old):
- Forty-nine (49) percent of the younger group said they adjust head restraints after someone has driven their car compared to only 36 percent of the older age group.
- Thirty-three (33) percent of the younger group said they adjust head restraints before driving long distances compared to 28 percent of older group.
- The younger group is also more likely to adjust head restraints when driving while fatigued or tired (22 percent) — compared to the older group (15 percent).
Men Take More Precautions
Male drivers (33 percent) are more likely than female drivers (29 percent) to adjust head restraints before driving long distances.
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