34. The expert from Sweden, Chair of IWG on Equitable Occupant Protection (EqOP) introduced a status report (GRSP-74-05) highlighting the work of the different task forces in the IWG. She underlined that one of the most relevant tasks of IWG was to improve the robustness of concerned regulations with priorities based on the relevance of the injury types. GRSP also noted a presentation from the expert of the Netherlands (GRSP-74-08) proposing improvement on head restraint test procedures in UN Regulation No. 17 and UN GTR No. 7. He explained the importance of defining and of testing head restraint gaps to limit whiplash. The expert from Sweden underlined the relevance of this issue and added that the work could be developed within the IWG. The expert from Germany suggested that a better definition of gaps should be introduced. He also said that a workshop at the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) had been held on this subject; the issue was developed, and a solution found. He did add that limits should be further developed.

35. GRSP noted a presentation from the expert of CLEPA (GRSP-74-30) on differences of whiplash performance for mid-size male and mid-size female dummies in seats which suggested possible geometric improvements for seat/head restraint. He noted that this was a first step for a full discussion of the issue. The expert from the Netherlands stated that head restraints should protect everybody, and that GRSP-74-30 revealed a weakness of current head restraints which did not cover the whole range of occupants. He added that a harmonized approach should be found to amend UN GTR No. 7 and UN Regulation No. 17. The experts from Austria and Sweden agreed with the expert from the Netherlands. The expert from Canada supported an improvement in parallel with UN GTR No. 7 and UN Regulation No. 17. The expert from Germany fully supported a discussion in the remit of a task force of EqOP IWG. The expert from the United States of America requested a time reservation to better understand the issue. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its May 2024 session.