Supplemental Occupant Restraint Systems

Over the last few decades, vehicle manufacturers have incorporated energy absorbing designs into their vehicles such as:

• Front ends and trunks that crush on impact and steel beams inside the doors to protect occupants in side impacts; many bumpers are now designed to absorb low impact (under 5 mph) without damage.
• A plastic sheet between layers of windshield glass helps to protect occupants from flying broken glass.

• Padded areas on the dash and on top of the front seats to lessen the potential of head injuries.
• Energy-absorbing steering wheel and column to protect the driver.
• Front impact air bags—some new cars also carry side impact air bags.