Abstract: A headrest in passenger cars which is pivotable from its foremost position, required for performing its safety function, into at least one rearward position, from which latter position the headrest can be pivoted automatically back into the foremost position under the force of inertia acting on the headrest in case of strong deceleration of the automotive vehicle and can be locked into such foremost position, so that the headrest, even if pivoted into the rearward position to enhance the occupant's comfort, is, in case of necessity, automatically ready in the foremost position to fulfill its safety function. In connection with a headrest at the rear vehicle seat, such headrest can additionally or alternatively be pivoted onto the hat shelf underneath the rear window of the vehicle so that, when the rear vehicle seat is unoccupied, the driver's unobstructed field of vision via the inside rearview mirror toward the rear is not impaired.