Why I removed my headrests..

I got a new 2013 Tacoma Access cab in Feb. after driving a 2000 Xtra cab for 13 years. I immediately noticed that the visibility was not anything like the virtual 360 degree periscope view on my old truck mainly due to the increased width of the support columns and the massive headrests. I have never been one to rely on my mirrors to make lane changes, because I have had many times when all is clear in my mirrors and a last second look over my shoulder reveals a car right next to me. This is a little disquieting and even adjusting my mirrors doesn't seem to remedy the situation. But in the new 2013 it takes much longer to look over my shoulder and I don't get as good a view anymore. So I decided to just remove the headrests. I realize, of course, that the headrests are there and designed in such a way for safety, but I really have to wonder if having a better view is the safer option. I attached some pictures to try and show the difference in views. Any feedback?

 

id rather not have the perfect view than to get whiplash in an accident

 

Acccess Cab Problems. No issue in my double cab.

 

try putting those little bubble mirrors on your side views. cheap and effective.

 

X2. Looks a little unsafe to me...

 

I've had my Access Cab for almost a year now and I have never had any problems with it on either side. I have my passenger side seat headrest at the a-pillar. So when I have to shoulder check out the right then I can see through the window. When I look out the drivers side back, I only move my head and I can see right out the window. When you move your whole body it's going to possibly block your vision because you'll be looking at the a-pillar. I owned a DC before it and I never had any issues with that one either. I'd rather trade the truck then to compromise my safety(and others) for the sake of taking the headrests out. They're there for a reason.

Either way you should be shoulder checking and using your mirrors. I'd rather take that extra time and look around with the rests in. Having them out you're risk on getting a world of hurt in an accident is pretty high.

 

try an access cab with a RTT. aint no seeing behind you then. but i do use my mirrors effectively and look back over my shoulder with no issues

 

I removed the rear headrests in my double cab bc they blocked nearly the entire rear window. No way would I remove the front headrests though.

 

Speaking as someone who just recently got out of a cervical collar after six weeks, I will try to say this as respectfully as possible: this is not one of the better ideas I've ever run across here at TW.

 

I remove the headrests that aren't being used, but they go in when there is someone in the seat. Their head blocks the view anyways.

 

I test drove a 2nd gen and found the same thing. Seemed more difficult to view all around the truck. To be fair though, most vehicles aren't as easy to do a quick scan of your surroundings like the 1st gen. I'd imagine you'd get used to the decreased view in a matter of a week or so with the head rests still in.
I can only imagine what kind of hayday the insurance company would have if you got into a wreck and were injured b/c you removed a safety feature.

 

x2, learn how to properly use your side mirrors and/or add blind spot mirrors. Hell, I can't even see out my back window and have never had an issue changing lanes or backing into places.

 

Took them out of my father's long ago. Glad we did it, better visibility and lightened up a few pounds. My tacoma is older and had no head rests im the back to begin with. Can't haul people back there anyway(i don't know any (littlepeople)midgets).....so the hell with head rests.

 

i get removing them from the back seat. hell in my AC i dont even have head rests, but to do it on the front driver and passenger seat is just dumb

 

This is like removing the seat belts because they're uncomfortable. Or removing the air bags because they're going to hurt if they go off in your face. The disadvantages outweigh the advantages of you doing this. This is one of the top dumbest things I have ever heard someone has done here at TW. I wouldn't recommend anyone to do this.

Honestly though. I think that it really comes down to your driving, not the headrests.

 

I was rear ended once and it wasn't that hard and my head was knocked back so hard I though the headrest was going to break. I can't imagine getting rear ended hard without a headrest. Good luck to you buddy..

 

Well of course we only removed the back ones. The ones in the front seat serve a purpose!!! Gots to have them.

 

yeah but the OP didnt, he removed the front ones. its in the pics

 

Somehow, people manage to drive vans and trucks without rear windows through congested NY City streets every day by using only mirrors and skill. And they don't remove any safety devices to do it.

 

couldn't agree more