Volvo S40 - Manual (Page 17)

2003 Volvo S40 & V40
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) - front seats only
The WHIPS system consists of specially designed hinges and brackets on the front seat backrests and
head restraints designed to help absorb some of the energy generated in a collision from the rear ("rear-
ended").
In the event of a collision of this type, the hinges and brackets of the front seat backrests 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 the
whiplash effect.
Do not wedge boxes, suitcases, etc. behind front seats
WARNING!
●
Boxes, suitcases, etc. wedged behind the front seats (see illustration above) could impede the
function of the WHIPS system.
●
Any contact between the front seat backrests and the folded rear seat could impede the function of
the WHIPS system. If the rear seat is folded down, the occupied front seats must be adjusted forward
so that they do not touch the folded rear seat.
●
The WHIPS system is designed to supplement the other safety systems in your car. 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.
●
If your car has been involved in a collision, the front seat backrests must be inspected by an
authorized Volvo retailer even if the seats appear to be undamaged. Certain components in the
WHIPS system may need to be replaced. Do not attempt to service any component in the WHIPS
system yourself.
●
If the rear seat backrests are folded down, cargo must be secured to prevent it from sliding forward
against the front seat backrests in the event of a collision from the rear. This could interfere with the
action of the WHIPS system.
●
The WHIPS system is designed to function in certain collisions from the rear, depending on the
crash severity, angle and speed.
●
Occupants in the front seats must never sit out of position. The occupant's back must be as upright
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_SV40/03sv40_01b.htm (3 of 13)12/30/2006 4:16:04 PM