If you cannot avoid a collision, which action helps reduce impact?

• A. Control brake and steer to collide at an angle
• B. Brake hard and stay straight
• C. Swerve into the oncoming lane
• D. Stop abruptly without steering

Answer: (A)

When a collision can’t be avoided, reducing the severity hinges on slowing down and directing the impact. Braking in a controlled way lowers your speed, which cuts the energy that has to be absorbed. Steering to hit at an angle lets the crash occur more as a glancing blow, so the energy is absorbed gradually by the vehicle’s structure and crumple zones rather than delivering a straight, high-force hit. This angle also helps avoid a direct head-on with another vehicle or obstacle, reducing the peak forces on occupants.

That’s why this approach is better than braking hard while staying straight (you’d still collide squarely with whatever is in front), swerving into the oncoming lane (creates a new, often worse hazard), or stopping abruptly without steering (misses the chance to use the angle to dissipate energy).