Seat belts
156
The physical principle of a frontal
collision
The physical principle of a frontal accident can be explained quite simply:
Motion energy, so-called kinetic energy, is produced as soon as the
vehicle is moving, both for the vehicle and its occupants. The magnitude
of this kinetic energy depends essentially on the speed at which the
vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle and the occupants.
The greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the amount of
energy which has to be absorbed in the event of an accident.
The speed of the vehicle is, nevertheless, the most important factor.
Doubling the speed of the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour
increases the kinetic energy four times.
The common opinion that it is possible to support your body in a minor
accident with your hands, is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low
speed, the forces acting on the body are such that it is no longer possible
to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed within the range from 30 km/hour to 50
km/hour, the forces which are produced on your body in the event of an
accident can easily exceed 10.000 N (Newton). This equals a weight of
one tonne (1 000 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the car not wearing a seat
belt, are thrown forward and strike in an uncontrolled way parts of the inte-
rior of the car, such as steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen,
⇒
fig. 139
. The occupants of a vehicle who have not fastened their seat
belts may even be thrown out of the vehicle. This can result in fatal inju-
ries.
It is also important that rear seat occupants fasten their seat belts as they
will otherwise be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner in
the event of an accident A rear seat passenger who has not fastened the
seat belt is a danger not only to himself but also for those seated at the
front
⇒
fig. 140
.
Fig. 139 The driver is
thrown forward if not
wearing a belt
Fig. 140 The rear seat
occupant is thrown
forward if not wearing a
belt
NKO B5 20.book Page 156 Monday, July 3, 2006 2:09 PM
Summary of Contents for Superb 2006
Page 5: ...Introduction 4 NKO B5 20 book Page 4 Monday July 3 2006 2 09 PM ...
Page 8: ...Contents 7 NKO B5 20 book Page 7 Monday July 3 2006 2 09 PM ...
Page 149: ...Communicating and Navigating 148 NKO B5 20 book Page 148 Monday July 3 2006 2 09 PM ...
Page 185: ...Transporting children safely 184 NKO B5 20 book Page 184 Monday July 3 2006 2 09 PM ...
Page 205: ...Towing a trailer 204 NKO B5 20 book Page 204 Monday July 3 2006 2 09 PM ...
Page 269: ...Fuses and light bulbs 268 NKO B5 20 book Page 268 Monday July 3 2006 2 09 PM ...
Page 271: ...General 270 NKO B5 20 book Page 270 Monday July 3 2006 2 09 PM ...