Saab Active Head Restraints
| Company type | Automotive safety technology |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive safety |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Products | Active head restraint system |
| Parent | Saab |
Saab Active Head Restraints (commonly known as SAHR) represent an automotive safety innovation aimed at reducing whiplash injuries. This technology was first introduced by Saab in 1997.[1] Debuting with the launch of the Saab 9-5 for the 1998 model year, SAHR has since been integrated as standard equipment in both the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 models.
Details
The SAHR mechanism is positioned atop a frame embedded within the seat-back, engineered to pivot around its midpoint. During a rear collision, inertia forces the occupant’s lower back rearward against the lower section of the seat-back. This movement triggers a mechanical linkage within the frame, causing the upper portion—carrying the head restraint—to move upward and forward. This action supports the occupant’s head, significantly reducing whiplash motion.[2] A key advantage of SAHR is its reusability; unlike systems developed by BMW and Volvo such as WHIPS, the headrest does not need replacement after activation.[3]
For the 2003 model year, Saab introduced SAHR 2 as standard on the Saab 9-3. This upgraded version is engineered to activate more rapidly during low-speed rear impacts. The system engages immediately when the occupant’s lower back presses into the seat-back due to inertia from a rear impact.[3]
Statistics
A 2002 analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety examining property damage insurance claims revealed that Saab’s active head restraint design resulted in a 55 percent decrease in claim frequency for women and a 31 percent decrease for men compared to conventional head restraints.[4]
Awards
- Prince Michael Road Safety Awards, United Kingdom – Technology Award for the Saab Active Head Restraint, 1997
- The Windscreens O'Brian Safety Award, Australia – Industry Recognition for the Saab Active Head Restraint, 1997
- Special Honor from the Danish Association of Polio, Traffic and Accident Victims (PTU), Denmark – Award for the Saab Active Head Restraint, 1996