The head restraint is easy to overlook when several people share a car. A driver adjusts the mirrors and seat distance, then leaves the restraint at the previous person’s height. That small omission matters because it is part of the seat’s protection, not merely a comfortable place to lean.
ICBC’s adjustment guidance recommends bringing the top of the restraint at least level with the top of the head and keeping it close behind the head. Read your vehicle manual for the adjustment mechanism and the correct position for your seat.
Set the seat first
Park safely, then establish a suitable driving position with the seatback reasonably upright and the pedals and steering wheel comfortably reachable. Adjust the restraint after that. Changing the seatback angle later can change the gap behind your head.
Use the release or adjustment control described in the manual, and make sure the restraint locks into position. Some designs move in more than one direction; others are fixed or integrated. Do not force a mechanism or remove a restraint because it feels unfamiliar.
Check every occupied seat
Rear restraints are sometimes lowered for visibility when nobody is sitting there. Check them again before carrying a passenger. A passenger should not assume that a restraint folded down against the seatback is ready for use.
Child restraints introduce model-specific requirements. Follow both the vehicle and child-seat instructions rather than applying an adult seating rule to every installation. Ask a qualified fitting service if the instructions appear to conflict.
A practical shared-car habit is to include seat, belt, restraint and mirrors in the same stationary check. Avoid attaching unapproved accessories that change how your head sits against the seat. If a restraint will not lock or a seat mechanism is damaged, arrange inspection before relying on it. The adjustment takes little time when it becomes part of getting ready, rather than something you notice while moving.