The new standard would also establish new strength requirements. There's plenty of room for improvement. Volvo and Saab are among the few models sold in the U.S. to consistently win high ratings in tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Although it's seldom fatal, whiplash can cause serious problems over an extended period.
Many victims complain of neck pain, stiffness, dizziness and shoulder pain.
Until then, consumers can make sure their car's head restraint is properly adjusted. Experts say the top of the head restraint should be roughly even with the top of your ears. Also, if possible, the head restrain should be adjusted so that it is a close to the back of your head as possible. Distances of more than four inches have been associated with rising injury rates. These devices have not been tested and their effectiveness is unproven, experts say.