Question 7979
In the event of an accident, is there a relationship between the speed at which a vehicle is traveling and the severity of the injuries suffered by its occupants?
- Yes; the higher the speed, the lower the probability of suffering serious injuries.
- No; the severity of the injuries depends only on the passive safety systems.
- Yes; the higher the speed, the greater the probability of suffering serious injuries.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Yes; the higher the speed, the greater the probability of suffering serious injuries.
Yes. The faster you go, the more energy the crash releases, and that energy increases with the square of the speed. Crashing at 100 km/h is like falling 39 meters, the height of an 11-story building, and crashing at 130 km/h is like falling 67 meters, or 19 stories. The seat belt and airbag reduce injuries, but they don't cancel out the effect of speed.