What is a "crumple zone" in vehicle design?

A crumple zone is an essential part of vehicle design that is specifically engineered to enhance safety during a collision. It refers to sections of a vehicle that are designed to deform and absorb energy in the event of an accident. This controlled deformation helps to mitigate the impact forces transferred to the occupants of the vehicle, reducing the risk of severe injuries.

The effectiveness of crumple zones lies in their ability to slow down the deceleration of the vehicle, dissipating energy over a longer period instead of transmitting it all at once to the occupants. This engineering feature exemplifies how vehicle designs prioritize passenger safety by incorporating zones that intentionally give way during an impact.

While other options might describe benefits or functions of vehicles, they do not focus on the safety mechanisms that crumple zones provide during a collision, which is the primary purpose of these designed sections in the vehicle structure.