The Physical Principle Of A Frontal Collision; Important Safety Information Regarding The Use Of Seat Belts - Skoda Octavia Tour Owner's Manual

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.
Using the system Safety
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 interior of the car, such
as steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen,
have not fastened their seat belts may even be thrown out of the vehicle. This can
Fig. 109 The driver is catapulted result in fatal injuries.
forward if not wearing a belt
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
Important safety information regarding the use of seat
belts
The correct use of the seat belts considerably reduces the risk of injury!
Fig. 110 The rear seat occupant

is catapulted forward if not
or chafe against any sharp edges.
wearing a belt

to offer their maximum protection  page 104, "How are seat belts correctly
fastened?".

together.

are correctly seated  page 98, "Correct seated position".
Driving Tips General Maintenance
 fig.
WARNING
The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twisted,
It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed if the seat belts are
No two persons (also not children) should ever use a single seat belt
The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if you
Breakdown assistance
Seat belts
 fig.
109. The occupants of a vehicle who
110.
Technical Data
103