In the two-collision concept, the second collision can involve the windshield stopping you if you’re not wearing a seat belt.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only the tires collide with the road
• D. The second collision is unrelated

Answer: (A)

In a crash, there are two impacts to consider. First, the vehicle and its structure absorb energy as they come to a stop. Then, your body continues moving within the cabin and may strike interior surfaces—that’s the second collision. If you’re not wearing a seat belt, your momentum carries you forward and you can hit the windshield, dashboard, or other parts of the car interior. The windshield stopping you is a classic example of the second collision.

Wearing a seat belt keeps you in place, so the energy of the crash is absorbed mainly by the seat, the seat belt, and the car’s structure, and your body is less likely to strike the windshield or dashboard. This greatly reduces the severity of the second collision.

The other options don’t fit because they either ignore the occupant’s interior impact or inaccurately describe what happens in a crash.