The influence of seat-back and head-restraint properties on the head-neck motion during rear-impact.

The influence of different seat properties on the head-neck motion during a low-velocity rear-end impact was tested using a Hybrid III-dummy fitted with a modified neck (RID-neck). The results show that by modifying the properties of the seat-back and head-restraint it is possible to influence the head-neck kinematics to a great extent. It was possible to virtually eliminate the neck extension motion during a rear-impact. This will hopefully result in a significant decrease in neck injury risk in real world rear-impacts.