Volvo XC90 Quiz
Safety

Whiplash protection system

In this manual: Safety
Owner's Information — 7Your Volvo — 3Creating and registering a Volvo ID — 16Safety — 29Displays and Controls — 52Illumination — 36Seats and Steering Wheel — 19Climate Control — 45Keys, Locks and Alarm — 31Driver Support — 113Starting and driving — 70Audio, media and internet — 27Media Player — 46Wheels and Tires — 28Loading, storage and passenger compartment — 16Maintenance and Service — 59Specifications — 12
~2min read

The Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) is designed to help reduce the risk of whiplashtype injuries. The system consists of energy absorbing backrests and seat cushions as well as specially designed head restraints in the front seats.

WHIPS is activated in the event of a rear-end collision and adapted to the angle and speed of the collision and to the characteristics of the colliding vehicle.

When WHIPS is activated, the front seat backrests move rearward and the seat cushions move downward to change the seating positions of the driver and front seat passenger. This movement helps absorb some of the forces that can lead to whiplash.

Volvo XC90. Whiplash Protection System

Do not place any objects on the floor behind or under the front seats or on the rear seat that could prevent WHIPS from functioning correctly.

Seat Position

For WHIPS to provide good protection, the driver and passenger must be seated correctly and the system's function must not be impeded in any way.

Adjust the front seat to the correct seating position before driving.

The driver and the front seat passenger should sit in the center of the seat with their heads as close as possible to the head restraints.

Test yourself

A quick Volvo XC90 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.