What is the role of a properly placed headrest in case of a road accident?
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Correct answer
B. It protects the cervical vertebrae.
Explanation
In the photo you can see the headrest of a car seat. A properly adjusted headrest protects the cervical vertebrae in an accident - answer B. It does not protect the top of the head (A) or the back (C), because it is behind the head, not above it or behind the upper body.
When a car is hit from behind, the upper body is pushed forward together with the seat, while the head stays where it is and is thrown sharply backwards; without support, the neck bends like a whip, which damages the cervical vertebrae. The Regulation on the technical conditions of vehicles requires a passenger car to be fitted with headrests on the front seats. You adjust the headrest so that its top edge is level with the top of your head, and the distance from the back of your head is no more than a few centimetres.
Legal basis: § 11 para. 1 point 9 of the Regulation on the technical conditions of vehicles and the scope of their necessary equipment