Volvo S40 Automobile User Manual


 
01 Safety
24
WHIPS
01
Protection against whiplash injury –
WHIPS
The whiplash protection system (WHIPS)
consists of energy absorbing backrests and
specially designed head restraints for the
front seats. The system is actuated by a rear-
end collision, where the angle and speed of
the collision, and the nature of the colliding
vehicle all have an influence.
Properties of the seat
When the WHIPS system is deployed, the
front seat backrests fall backward to alter the
position of the driver and front seat passen-
ger. This diminishes the risk of whiplash
injury.
WHIPS system and child seats/
booster cushions
The WHIPS system does not diminish the
protection provided by the car to children
seated in a child seat or on a booster cush-
ion.
Correct seating position
For the best possible protection, the driver
and front seat passenger should sit in the
centre of the seat with as little space as pos-
sible between the head and the head re-
straint.
WARNING
The WHIPS system is a supplement to the
seatbelts. Always wear your seatbelt.
WARNING
Never modify or repair the seat or WHIPS
system yourself. Contact an authorised
Volvo workshop.