<VV> Head Restraints

[Mr Lew Rishel]

The recent thread about 'head rests' prompts me to respond.

On or about 1 Jan '69,  as stated, the Us govmint, in its infinite wisdom, 
decreed that all vehicles sold here  would be equipped with "head 
restriants".  The purpose is/was to reduce the incidence of 'whiplash' 
accidents due to rear end collisions.  These 'restraints' were to be 
positioned  thus;  the center of the restraint is to be at the same height 
as the center of the bcak of drivers (or passengers) head, and about 1 to 
1/12 inches away. If the head moves no further than that from a rear end 
collision, little or no damage to the neck  will result.   The restraintrs 
on my 69 were of the straight kind, and were about 4 inches to the rear of 
my head.   Too far to be effective in event of an accident.  Moving my head 
rearward to contact the restraint resulted in an awkward and uncomfortable 
position,  ergo, it is not a 'headrest'.   I think I recall seeing  later 69 
vairs ( and some Camaros) with a bent (slanted)  restraint, that placed it 
closer to the head.
Any of yew engeneers want to argyfy this. How 'bout yew, Hnaky-poo, whuts 
yer take on this ?

Lew