Skoda Rapid Owner's Manual page 55

Frontal collision and the laws of physics
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 52.
The physical principle of a frontal collision can be explained quite simply. Motion
energy, so-called "kinetic energy", is produced as soon as the vehicle is moving
⇒ f ig.
31, both for the vehicle and its occupants.
The higher the vehicle speed and the higher the weight, the more energy must be
absorbed in the event of an accident.
The speed of the vehicle is, nevertheless, the more important factor. For example,
if the speed of approx. 15 mph (25 km/h) doubles to approx. 30 mph (50 km/h), the
kinetic energy increases four-fold!
Vehicle overview Before driving
The magnitude of the "kinetic energy" depends essentially on the speed at which
the vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle and its 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 occupants of a vehicle who have not fastened their seat belt are therefore
not "connected" to their vehicle. In the event of a frontal collision, these persons
would therefore continue to be propelled forward at the same speed at which the
vehicle was moving before the collision! In view of the fact that the occupants of
the car in our example are not wearing seat belts, the entire kinetic energy of the
occupants, in the event of a collision, can only be absorbed by the collision against
the wall
Fig. 31 A vehicle moves to-
At a speed of approx. 18 mph (30 km/h) to approx. 30 mph (50 km/h), forces are
wards a wall with occupants
generated acting on your body that can easily exceed one tonne (1,000 kg or
not wearing seat belts.
2,205 lbs). The forces acting on your body even increase further at higher speeds.
This example does not just apply to frontal collisions, but to all types of accidents
and collisions.
Fig. 32 A vehicle hits the wall
with occupants not wearing
seat belts.
When driving
Sitting properly and safely
⇒ f ig.
32.
Maintenance, cleaning, servic-
ing
53
Ð
Do-it-yourself