Whiplash Injury Lessening seats (WIL)

Help to minimise the risk of whiplash injuries by reducing the relative movement of head and torso in the event of an accident.

How does it work?

Whiplash is the conventional term for neck sprains. It is often associated with motor vehicle accidents, usually when the vehicle has been hit in the rear.

The seat is designed with its non-tilting head restraint moved forward and upward, but not so far that it interferes with the occupant’s head to cause discomfort while driving. The upper part of the seat back frame is moved rearward, away from the upper torso. The seat surface and cushioning remain to support the upper torso in the same position as in the original.

During rear end collisions the upper torso is able to sink deeper into the seat back and, at the maximum deformation of the seat back, the head is restrained naturally by the head restraint. Therefore head and torso move in harmony, the head rebounding simultaneously with the torso delivering less whiplash movement.

Toyota WIL seats were developed using the Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) dummies with modified necks to more accurately replicate the damage that can be inflicted on this area. See also: Active Headrest

Customer benefits

• Reduces the severity of occupant injury in low speed rear end impact, which in 40% of cases could require more than a year for recovery

Availability:

• All models

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