The headrest should be adjusted to contact the back of the head. This positioning helps prevent which type of injury?

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When the headrest contacts the back of the head, it acts as a support that limits how far the head can move backward in a crash. In a rear-end collision, the body is pushed forward while the head tends to whip backward. A properly positioned headrest catches the head sooner, reducing the neck’s rapid extension and the forces on the cervical spine. This primarily helps prevent whiplash injuries. While a good headrest contributes to overall safety, its main benefit is protecting the neck, not the lower back, face, or arms, which are affected by other crash dynamics and safety features. To maximize protection, keep the headrest snug against the back of the head with the top roughly at the level of the top of your head.