Background Head restraints are extensions of the vehicle's seats that limit head movement during a rear-impact crash, thus, reducing the probability of neck injury. Since January 1, 1969, passenger cars have been required by FMVSS 202 to have head restraints in the front outboard seating positions. The Standard also applied to light trucks manufactured after August 31, 1991. NHTSA estimates that 272,000 whiplash injuries result from rear impact collisions each year. Although whiplash injuries may be of a relatively minor severity, they entail large societal costs. It is the consensus of the biomedical community that whiplash injuries occur as a result of movement of the head and neck relative to the torso. Consequently, reducing the gap between the occupant's head and the head restraint should reduce the movement of the head relative to the torso, resulting in lower whiplash rates. NHTSA submitted an NPRM in 1999 for public comment, which upgrades FMVSS 202 by requiring head restraints to be higher, closer to the head, and available in front and rear outboard positions. NHTSA is currently working on the Final Rule.

ObjectiveDetermine the incremental consumer cost and weight of upgraded head restraints.

Proposed Approach The cost of upgraded head restraints will be estimated by "teardown" studies and compared to the cost of baseline head restraints in the same or similar make-models. The analysis can be completed within a year, after the new standard takes effect.