Engineering & MachinesAutomotive Safety

Crumple Zones

Cars protect people by crushing slowly

After a crash, a wrecked front end looks like failure. What if that crumpled metal is the reason the driver walked away?

You'll find out

  • Why stiffer isn't safer
  • The part of a car that must never bend
  • What doubling your speed really does

Why it matters

The same idea protects you in a car, a bike helmet and even a pair of running shoes: stretch out the stop.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 60 · Zone 7

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