Crush
zones, located in the front and rear
of a vehicle, are designed to crumple and
absorb energy in a front or rear-end collision. A
collapsible steering column,
smooth or recessed controls, and
energy-absorbing materials are
part of a car's occupant protection
system.
Seat belts help restrain occupants,
keep them in position, and give
them more time to slow down
in a crash
Airbags
are designed to
give added protection for
the head and chest in a
severe frontal collision.
T
o d o thei r job , airbag s inflat e wit h
tremendou s speed—ove r 10 0 mph . S o whil e
airbag s ca n sav e you r lif e an d reduc e th e
severit y o f injuries , the y ca n als o caus e
abrasion s an d bruises . An d i f yo u si t to o
close , or don' t wea r a sea t belt , or don' t si t in
a prope r position , a n inflatin g airba g ca n
caus e broke n bone s o r mor e seriou s injuries .
Wearing a seat belt, and sitting up, well back
from the steering wheel or dashboard, reduces
the chance of injuries caused by a crash or an
inflating airbag.
