Crumple Zone Designs

The crumple zone of a vehicle is a feature designed to compress during an accident in order to absorb energy and shock from the collision. They are generally located in the front part of the vehicle, in order to minimize damage from a head-on collision.

The concept for crumple zones originated with the 1959 Mercedes-Benz Fintail, designed by engineer Bela Barenyi. The idea for crumple zones is that they manage crash energy in the front section of the vehicle, thereby absorbing the energy rather than allowing it to be directly transmitted to the bodies of the occupants in the vehicle. The basic plan of the zone is to weaken the outer limits of the vehicle while heavily reinforcing the interior of the car, where the passengers are. This bolstering of internal support is done primarily through the use of beams and high strength steels.

A common misconception of crumple zones is that they reduce the overall vehicle safety by reducing the strength of the car on the outside. Rumors include that they allow the passengers to be more easily crushed because the car’s frontal exterior offers less protection. However, based on real-life accidents and high speed crash tests, data reveals crumple zones create far safer vehicles. However, a major downside of crumple zones is that they generally shatter even in fender-benders, creating high repair costs for minor accidents.

Crumple zones do not always function in accordance with their designed purpose. If you have been injured in an automobile accident, it is advised to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your legal options. contact the Rhinelander personal injury lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier at 800.369.5990 to learn more today.