Verbraucherportal

Since the beginning of IIWPG tests in 2005, the safety of seat head restraints combinations has increased significantly. Were five years ago 60 percent of all seats tested “fair” or “bad” review, it was this year only 28 percent. This is apparent from an analysis of 211 seats out of the model year 2010 for the German market, which has the accident research, the insurer (UDV) is now published.

Good seat head restraints combinations are important in order to weaken in a collision at least the slight injury of the cervical spine (HWS) or avoid. The IIWPG test (International Insurance Whiplash Prevention IIWPG = Group) evaluated both the adjustability of the headrest (static test) and the measured values of the Crash Test Dummies (dynamic test).

Despite the positive developments are lagging behind, especially small cars and minivans for development. Of them at least every second or moderate or poor head restraints.

The main results of the test year of 2010:

* Seats with moderate or poor geometry of head restraints are now the absolute exception.
* The seat development is a trend towards active head restraints visible. For large vehicles in part triggered by the vehicle crash sensors.
* In the lower and middle segment is the seat development towards targeted combination of back and head restraint during a rear impact.
* Small cars and minivans are still the largest deficits.
* In the lower price range are not or only at extra cost active head restraints available.
* Seats without active head restraints have the same vehicle model is often significantly worse test results.
* “Entry-level models” (continuation of previous generation models at a reasonable price) give partial or even to previously available standard active head restraints. Therefore consider carefully when buying a vehicle, whether that equipment is available.
* Praiseworthy examples: When Honda and Hyundai are active head restraints series and provide “good” results already in a compact car class. Volkswagen, Audi and BMW reached by a passive vote of back and head support “good” results in the compact class.