01 Safety
Whiplash Protection System – WHIPS
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General information
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) –
front seats only
The WHIPS system consists of specially
designed hinges and brackets on the front
seat backrests designed to help absorb some
of the energy generated in a collision from the
rear (when the vehicle is rear-ended).
In the event of a collision of this type, the
hinges and brackets of the front seat back-
rests are designed to change position slightly
to allow the backrest/head restraint to help
support the occupant's head before moving
slightly rearward. This movement helps
absorb some of the forces that could result in
whiplash.
WARNING
•
The WHIPS system is designed to
supplement the other safety systems
in your vehicle. For this system to
function properly, the three-point seat
belt must be worn. Please be aware
that no system can prevent all possible
injuries that may occur in an accident.
•
The WHIPS system is designed to
function in certain collisions from the
rear, depending on the crash severity,
angle and speed.
WARNING
•
Occupants in the front seats must
never sit out of position. The occu-
pant's back must be as upright as
comfort allows and be against the seat
back with the seat belt properly fas-
tened.
•
If your vehicle has been involved in a
rear-end collision, the front seat back-
rests must be inspected by a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician,
even if the seats appear to be undam-
aged. Certain components in the
WHIPS system may need to be
replaced.
•
Do not attempt to service any compo-
nent in the WHIPS system yourself.
