Why are most newer vehicle's headrests angled forwards?

[ColdCanadian]

Well I don't know if they are actually called head rests,
but I figured people would know what I'm talking about.

I don't "rest" my head on them normally,
but I do like to lean back and use it for posture sometimes
since I already like having the seat positioned upright, rather than reclined.

However, I have also attempted to use them to rest a passenger and this was a big mistake. It's a neck injury waiting to happen. With this kind of chair the only way to not get a neck injury by sleeping (as a passenger) for someone of my height is to either bring a thick pillow and wad it up, wear a neck brace or simply rip the dang thing off the back of the chair.

My biggest beef is that because when I drive I like to have the chair upright,
I now have to consciously lean my head forward,
so it does not touch the sloping "head rest",
which by merely touching it,
it seems to want to make my head tilt downward;
obviously bad when you want to look straight ahead,
so when I look straight ahead with this downward tilt,
it causes parts of my neck to pinch.

[ColdCanadian]

Originally Posted by yo vanilla

It started with Volvo's WHIPS protection system about 10 years ago. What good is it if you're previously hurt? Can't help you there. But it is for safety.

That's the thing...

I became previously hurt only because of sitting in that chair while driving.

[ColdCanadian]

Originally Posted by Kracer

Seems the headrests work for taller drivers but if you are 5'4" you are destined for neck problems.

If this is true, it sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen;
since at least half the population is close to 5'4" or shorter.

[Tennesseestorm]

My 1988 Mercedes and 1991 Lexus have the type that you can adjust... the rear headrests also adjust. They are really comfortable.

The ones on back seat of Mercedes are huge though. Most cars in 1988 did not even have them on the back seats though. Except maybe Volvo, BMW, etc. I think the Toyota Cressidas did as well.

[Kracer]

Headrest Solutions | Hybrid Cars

This is one of several sites discussing headrest issues in Hondas and other cars. Lot of consumer complaints. See other sites.

When my bud was havng neck problems and going to all the different docs, I happened to notice the protruding headrests in her van and could see that had to be contrary to a comfortable position. We turned them around as she was about to go on a trip of several hours. I get a call later, neck problems miraculously began to abate and that was within a few steady hours of driving. For kicks I checked out some Honda consumer complaint sites and was shocked to see the amount of complaints about their headrests. One site mentioned a lawsuit was in process.

there was no legal/safe position where that headrest could accomodate her safely and comfortably expect by turning it around. I'm sure any insurance claims would be denied if she was in a accident as the headrest was not in the manufactureers recommended position. Called the Honda dealer who while very friendly could offer no solutions. Physical threrapy folks agreed the headrest was the main issue in her neck pain and they suggested a back pad which in this case had no positive effect.