I think the new hip safety term is "active head restraints". All cars have "adjustable" head restraints in that they can move up or down. From what I understand, active head restraints can move forward during a rear end collision to help protect your head from "flopping backward" during a rear end collision which leads to the whiplash. The new 2008 Saturn Vue has them. I really don't consider this a MAJOR safety omission in a vehicle, but it seems to be the next "popular" safety feature because the insurance industry is pushing it. However, I sincerely doubt that it will reduce the number of "ambulance chaser" lawyers from filing lawsuits over whiplash after a rear-end collision. I have been rear-ended by someone going 30+ mph when I was going about 10 mph in a car without active head restraints and have to say that the "whiplash" I suffered wasn't nearly as bad as the whiplash I receive from riding looping roller coasters. This issue really is not a big deal to me in purchasing a vehicle. I just want to know that I have ABS, traction and stability control and as many air bags as possible.
On another subject of safety, has anyone ever thought of the safety factor of having a glass sunroof over your head instead of steel? What does the insurance institute have to say about sunroofs?
