Practice question

Why should headrests be adjusted to contact the back of the head?

  1. To prevent neck injuries if hit from behind
  2. To promote better posture
  3. To enhance seat comfort
  4. To avoid distractions while driving

Answer: A — To prevent neck injuries if hit from behind

Adjusting headrests to maintain contact with the back of the head is crucial for safety, particularly in the event of a rear-end collision. This positioning helps to reduce the likelihood of whiplash, a common neck injury that can occur when the head suddenly moves backward and then forward due to the impact. When the headrest is properly aligned, it acts as a support that limits the backward motion of the head, thus minimizing the risk and severity of neck injuries. While promoting better posture, enhancing seat comfort, and avoiding distractions while driving are all important considerations for overall driving safety and comfort, the primary reason for adjusting headrests focuses specifically on injury prevention in a crash scenario.

Practice more: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Practice Test →