How can the force of impact of a collision be reduced?

Answer 1

Force = Mass x Velocity (F=MV)

So reducing speed or reducing the mass of the vehicles possibly involved are the only ways to actually reduce the physical force of the collision. {only two variables here, amss and velocity.} If you want to reduce the impact of the collision (not necessarily the force) on the passengers then you would use crumple zones, roll cages, 5 point seatbelts/harnesses, airbags, fuels cells and extended firewalls.

The problem in most car accidents is that the people have no brakes on them - it's the car that has brakes. You and the car are doing 55 mph, when an impact occurs; the car goes from 55 mph to 0 in less than a second, but (without seatbelt) your body is still going 55mph till it hits the dash or steering column then it goes from 55 to 0mph in less than a second. With a seatbelt you are much closer to the cars speed (going and stopping.)

Answer 2

Bumpers, reinforced frames, airbags, and door designs, body designs, and materials that absorb energy from the impact make collisions less severe.

Answer 3

anything that helps disperse the force equally over a longer period of time, such as a ramp (remember its the rapid deceleration that causes the pain)