Why are most newer vehicle's headrests angled forwards? (minivans, seats, trucks)

[ColdCanadian]

My employer has a few different kinds of newer vehicles with these angled headrests.
My neck has become mildly injured sitting in many of chairs.
So far the models I've tried with terrible headrests are new Dodge trucks and Ford minivans.

If it's supposed to help in a collision,
what good is it if your neck is already injured before you get hit?

When did this start?
Precisely why? (are there supposed to be any distinct advantages?)

[getmeoutofhere]

Most people find it more comfortable, as they can rest their head back and still keep it fairly vertical.

It's also better in an accident as your head doesn't whip back as much.

[Kracer]

Some folks are trying to get a class action suit going re honda headrests.
A friend had neck problems and was considering surgery. We turned her head rest around and she got instant relief. No more physical therapy and surgery is off the table.

Honda website claims design award for their headrests.

Seems the headrests work for taller drivers but if you are 5'4" you are destined for neck problems.

Of course turning the headrest around is dangerous. Imagine a compromized neck being in a rearend collision. Exponential physical damage.

check out some of the Honda consumer complaint sites.

[AksarbeN]

They’ve worked a study on headrests for the last 10 years and thus this is what they came up with. You’ll see a higher cost in the vehicle to pay for this research and development ~ maybe one day they’ll actually do a little R&D on improved gas mileage?

[Donn2390]

The top of the headrest is supposed to be level with the top of your, and it is NOT designed to rest your head on, it a safety feature to come into play in case of an accident...!
If you're tired, go to bed...!

[Donn2390]

That should have read
"The top of the headrest is supposed to be level with the top of your head"..!

[yo vanilla]

It started with Volvo's WHIPS protection system about 10 years ago. What good is it if you're previously hurt? Can't help you there. But it is for safety. The only downside I see is that the angled-forward headrest makes it harder to keep the seat upright when I've got a helmet on for track days and such.

[texdav]

It is to stop whiplash injury not to rest your head on.

[sailordave]

Guess my wife's out of luck since she's only 5 feet tall and these seats seem to be designed for people over 6 feet tall.

[Steve_TN]

I HATE headrests like that. No matter what level I set them at, they alweays push my head forward and I end up in pain. I actually got rid of a Subaru Forrester because of that problem. That's what I love about my Jeep Wrangler....comfortable headrests.