System and method for preventing whiplash injuries to an occupant, in particular, during rear impacts, includes a movable headrest associated with the seat and a system for positioning the headrest adjacent a head of the occupant in an impact involving the vehicle. This latter system includes an anticipatory crash sensor system arranged to produce an output signal when an external object is approaching a rear of the vehicle at a velocity above a predetermined velocity, a headrest movement system arranged to move the headrest and a sensor system arranged to determine when the headrest contacts or is proximate the occupant's head. Upon the determination of a pending rear impact between the object and the vehicle, the output signal is produced by the crash sensor system and the headrest is moved into a position in contact with or proximate the occupant's head as determined by the sensor system.