The last thing you ever want to think about is a car accident. In fact, most people ignore the safety features of rental cars. That is, until you're in an accident; then it's those very safety features that will save your life. When a vehicle absorbs an impact, it is designed to "crumple." This might sound strange. Why would you want a vehicle to collapse? Here is what you need to know about the crumple zone of an automobile.
What Is a Crumple Zone?
In short, a crumple zone is an area of your car designed to collapse or crush during a collision. These crumple zones vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle, and exist in the front, rear and sides of your rental car. Crumple zones absorb force and redistribute it away from the vehicle's passengers. Think of it like the shock absorbers in your car. Without them, you would feel every bump in the road. When your vehicle is in a collision, a crumple zone absorbs the force of the crash before it gets to you. During normal driving, crumple zones are designed to remain stiff and solid, but during an accident, they will collapse to absorb the impact and energy.
Does Size Matter?
For larger vehicles like an SUV rental or van rental, the force of a crash is typically greater due to the increased mass. Force is directly related to mass and velocity, so as the mass of a vehicle increases, so does its need to absorb greater force. Before the crumple zone, SUVs and vans had much lower crash ratings. Since the crumple zone became a standard design component, SUV and van safety ratings have skyrocketed. These vehicles typically have a slightly larger crumple zone to absorb this added force.
The Limits of Protection
If there was no end to the crumple zone, you would also be in great danger. Crumple zones are designed outside the rigid frame of your vehicle. This means after the crumple zone removes as much force from the collision as possible, your automobile then has a solid frame, or shield to protect you. Fatal accidents often occur when the force is too great for the crumple zone to absorb. Even with a crumple zone, it's crucial to assure you and your companions are always wearing their seatbelt, or if a small child is in the vehicle, they're properly secured in a car seat. The crumple zone isn't the only safety feature of your rental car — most modern vehicles are equipped with a plethora of safety devices. Since your rental car is likely unfamiliar, review the driver's manual and familiarize yourself with the safety features.
As you climb into your rental car for an enjoyable drive or vacation, the crumple zone should be the last thing on your mind, and hopefully, you never have to see it in action. If an accident does occur though, it's reassuring to know your vehicle has been designed with your safety in mind.
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