Volvo XC60: Whiplash Protection System – WHIPS

General information

Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) – front seats only

The WHIPS system consists of specially designed hinges and brackets on the front seat backrests designed to help absorb some of the energy generated in a collision from the rear (when the vehicle is 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 whiplash.

WARNING
• The WHIPS system is designed to supplement the other safety systems in your vehicle. 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.
• The WHIPS system is designed to function in certain collisions from the rear, depending on the crash severity, angle and speed.

WARNING
• Occupants in the front seats must never sit out of position. The occupant's back must be as upright as comfort allows and be against the seat back with the seat belt properly fastened.
• If your vehicle has been involved in a rear-end collision, the front seat backrests must be inspected by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician, 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.

WARNING
• Boxes, suitcases, etc. wedged behind the front seats could impede the function of the WHIPS system.
• 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.

WARNING
Any contact between the front seat backrests and the folded rear seat or a rear-facing child 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.

Rollover Protection System (ROPS)

Volvo’s Rollover Protection System utilizes the Roll Stability Control (RSC) function, which is designed to help minimize the risk of a rollover in emergency maneuvers or if a skid should occur.

RSC uses a gyroscopic sensor that registers the amount of change in the lateral angle at which the vehicle is leaning. Using this information, RSC calculates the likelihood of a rollover.

If there is an imminent risk of a rollover, the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system (DSTC) is activated, power to the engine is cut and the brakes are applied to one or more of the wheels until the vehicle regains stability.

For additional information on DSTC, see page 149.

WARNING
The vehicle’s stability systems, including ROPS and RSC, do not replace the driver’s responsibility for operating the vehicle in a safe manner. Speed and driving style should always be adapted to the current road, traffic and weather conditions. Posted speed limits should always be respected.

Inflatable Curtain (IC)

Crash mode