Date:         Mon, 8 Apr 2002 03:23:26 -0400
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben T <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: headrest misperceptions
Comments: To: JordanVw@aol.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

<< i didnt improperly mount them.  they are adjustable. headrests, head restraints, tomato, tomatoe.. one in the same..   i can adjust them to support the back of my head, to prevent whiplash such as you state, or to support the back of my neck for comfort .  i can udjust them up,  or down..front or back..  the key word is that i can ADJUST them, unlike the vanagon ones.  they are every bit as safe as the vanagon ones if you adjust them to touch the back of your head or the "crown" of your head as you say.   they are similar in shape to the jetta/golf ones. they pass USDOT safety standards. they are just a different shape, thats all. the stock vanagon headrests/head restraints, whatever you'd like to call them, cannot adjust, and have an uncomfortable "hole" on the middle.  it's up to the driver to adjust the headrest in the safest way possible. >>

Chris,

I don't doubt that alternative headrestriants can be fitted properly. My comment was simply abut the "positioning" of the restraint to support the small of your neck. There's something to be said for breakneck acceleration. Negative acceleration such as a rear ended collision. For those physics-ly inclined -- yes , I know that acceleration is a change of speed and direction regardless of up down fornt rear or whatever fancies you.

BenT