Master the Mayhem: 2025 ATLS Practice Exam – Be the Trauma Hero!

Side impact, often referred to as a T-bone collision, is considered particularly dangerous, especially for passengers seated on the side of the vehicle that is impacted. This severity arises due to several factors.

First, in a side impact collision, the vehicle's frame generally provides less protection compared to front or rear impacts. Most vehicles are designed with crumple zones and stronger structures at the front and rear, where major crash protection features are typically located. When a vehicle is struck on its side, the potential for severe injury to the occupant increases, as there is less distance for the impact forces to dissipate.

Additionally, the anatomy of the vehicle itself plays a crucial role. The doors—when impacted—do not offer the same level of protection as the more robust front and rear sections. Even with advancements in side airbags and other safety features, the proximity of the passenger to the point of impact makes injuries to the torso and head more likely.

Moreover, the nature of T-bone collisions often involves the striking vehicle traveling at higher speeds than that of a rear-end collision, resulting in a greater force being delivered to the impacted side of the vehicle.

Overall, these factors combine to make side impacts one of the most hazardous collision types for passengers, leading