Side collision

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Side collisions are vehicle crashes where the side of one or more vehicles is impacted. These crashes often occur at intersections, in parking lots, when two vehicles pass on a multi-lane roadway, or when a vehicle hits a fixed object.

[edit] Broadside or T-bone collision

Broadside collisions, commonly known as T-bone collisions, are where the side of one vehicle is impacted by the front or rear of another vehicle or a fixed object. Vehicle damage and occupant injury are more likely to be severe, but severity varies based on the part of the vehicle that is struck, safety features present, the speeds of both vehicles, and vehicle weight and construction.

When a vehicle is hit on the side by another vehicle, the crumple zones of the striking vehicle will absorb some of the kinetic energy of the collision. The crumple zones of the struck vehicle may also absorb some of the collision's energy, particularly if the vehicle is not struck on its passenger compartment. Both vehicles are frequently turned from their original directions of travel. If the collision is severe, the struck vehicle may be spun or rolled over, potentially causing it to strike other vehicles, objects, or pedestrians. After the collision, the involved vehicles may be stuck together by the folding of their parts around each other.

An occupant on the struck side of a vehicle may sustain far more severe injuries than an otherwise similar front or rear collision crash.

Side-impact airbags can protect vehicle occupants during side collisions, but they face the same limitations as other airbags. Additionally, side impact wrecks are more likely to involve multiple individual collisions or sudden speed changes before motion ceases. Since the airbag can only provide protection during the first collision, it may leave occupants unprotected during subsequent collisions in the crash. However, the first collision in a crash typically has the most severe forces, so an effective airbag provides maximum benefit during the most severe portion of a crash.

Broadside collisions are frequently caused by a failure to yield right of way. As with any crash, increased speed may increase crash severity.

[edit] Sideswipe collisions

Sideswipe collisions are where the sides of two parallel vehicles touch. If the vehicles are traveling in the same direction and neither vehicle loses control, the collision energy is minimal and the vehicles may suffer only cosmetic damage. However, loss of control of either vehicle can have unpredictable effects and dramatically increases the expected crash severity.

Sideswipe collisions are frequently caused by a failure to control a vehicle.