Whiplash Protection System - Volvo XC90 TWIN ENGINE Owner's Manual

cle as they drive (which means that they must be
able to easily operate the foot pedals and steer-
ing wheel). The aim should be to position the
seat with as large a distance as possible between
abdomen and steering wheel.
Related information
•
Safety (p. 44)
•
Seatbelts (p. 46)
•
Manual front seat (p. 180)
•
Power front seat* (p. 181)

Whiplash Protection System

Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) reduces
the risk of whiplash injuries. The system consists
of energy absorbing backrests and seat cushion,
as well as a specially designed head restraint in
the front seats.
WHIPS is deployed in the event of a rear-end
collision, where the angle and speed of the colli-
sion and the nature of the colliding vehicle all
have an influence.
When WHIPS is deployed, the front seat back-
rests are lowered backward and the seat cush-
ions move downward to change the seating posi-
tion of the driver and front seat passenger. Its
movement helps to absorb some of the forces
that can arise and cause whiplash.
WARNING
WHIPS is a supplement to the seatbelts.
Always use a seatbelt.
WARNING
Never modify or repair the seat or WHIPS
yourself. Volvo recommends that an author-
ised Volvo workshop should be contacted.
If the front seats have been subjected to a
major load, such as in conjunction with a colli-
sion, the seats must be replaced. Some of the
seats' protective properties may have been
lost even if they do not appear damaged.
Do not leave any objects on the floor behind or under
the front seats or in the rear seat that may prevent
WHIPS from functioning.
WARNING
Do not squeeze rigid objects between the
rear seat cushion and the front seat's back-
rest.
If a backrest in the rear seat is lowered then
any load must be secured to prevent it from
sliding up to the front seat backrest in the
event of a collision.
WARNING
If a backrest in the rear seat is lowered or a
rear-facing child seat is used in the rear seat,
the corresponding front seat must be moved
forward so that it does not make contact with
the lowered backrest or child seat.
SAFETY
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45
* Option/accessory.