Quote:
Originally Posted by GlassHead
@Mark
The system I am thinking about only works for low impact rear ending. I hear these accidents are a major cause of concussion and whiplash.
If the acceleration of the car goes above a safety limit, the seat will be able to move backwards a few inches, using hydraulics or a spring system to absorb much of the energy.
This will spread out the force of the impact over a longer period of time thus reducing acceleration.
But maybe the auto manufactures are already using this kind of system in newer models.
@Esthersdoll
Thanks for the links, it looks very interesting. I especially like the Lexus safety video where they show they take whiplash and neck injuries serious.
Due to the high car taxes here in Denmark, the average car is about 8-9 years old. A lot of people get injured every year because of this.
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I don't know what the average age of vehicles is here in the States and most likely, each area is different. I do think that about 50% of people here in Southern CA drive large SUV's so I am now too scared to drive a more eco-friendly car like the one I had which is what I'd prefer.
Once you start doing a lot of auto safety research, I think you'll find many other car companies put a lot of cash into their safety R&D - Saab and Volvo come to mind quickly.
I just think it's really sad that only the most expensive models provide the best safety features. I don't understand why a small, compact car offers a navigation system in lieu of a safety feature like active head rests. It's very upsetting for me. Especially since the smaller cars are the ones at highest risk for not being able to protect its passengers as well as larger cars - especially in an accident with a larger car!
I also read that the NHTSA is considering making rear view cameras a required safety feature in cars here in the states and I think they should consider active head rests first due to whiplash!
I have read that experts believe that women are a lot more susceptible to sustain whiplash and concussions than men because our necks are weaker than men's and they theorize that the hormones inside our heads aren't as protective of our brains as men's are. And active head rests greatly reduces the chance a woman would sustain whiplash! It seems like a "no-brainer" to me... no pun intended.