Each one of the above collisions acts with its own impact forces and velocities upon the occupants. In most frontal impacts, one common factor is the occupant generally can brace themselves because the are usually aware of the impending collision, as opposed to a rear-end collision where they are unaware that they are about to be struck.
In the head-on collision, speed (velocity) and weight of the vehicle play a role in the injuries of the occupants. Also, distance that can be measured in the crash zone of the vehicle plays a role in injuries. The more the vehicle collapses (crumples) and the longer the time involved, the less severe the injuries to the occupants. Head-on collisions, although very severe, do cause collapse damage to both vehicles as opposed to one vehicle striking a barrier. Many times in these types of accidents, airbags will deploy.
In barrier accidents, many times the result is more severe than in head-on collisions. Impacts with objects like barriers, poles and trees can lead to a higher rate of fatalities in those accidents. This is because those objects do not give on impact like the front end of another car, as described above. Airbags are also likely to deploy in this situation.
In frontal impact collisions with vehicles going the same direction, the speed and size of the vehicle again determines the injuries that can occur. In the case of rear-end collisions, the striking vehicle not only undergoes a collapse, but transfers momentum to the struck car by pushing it forward. The airbag may or may not deploy, depending on the rigidity of the vehicle that is struck.
In the frontal collision with the side of another vehicle, depending on where that vehicle is struck, will determine the injuries to the occupants and their severity. For example if the frontal impact occurs to the front or the rear of the car it strikes, the striking vehicle will continue its momentum. If it strikes the other vehicle in the center of the car, then it will continue its momentum to a lesser degree and can cause greater degrees of injuries to its occupants.
View information about Frontal Collision Injuries. |
