Crumple Zones Modern vehicle safety design is a process of energy management. The energy of the impact must be absorbed and directed away from the passenger compartment. One way designers have accomplished this is through the use of Crumple Zones. These are areas of the car that are designed crush, fold and give way allowing the energy to dissipate and move around or away from the passenger compartment. In the aftermath the rescuer must often deal with moving the crumpled metal out of the way. In many cases the resulting metal structure is stronger than it was before the crash and much harder to move. Just like a corrugated box is stronger than a plain cardboard box, metal in the crumple zone becomes a stronger material to move out of the way. Typically Crumple Zones exist in the front fender area between the front bumper and the back of the wheel well. In some cases engine mounts are designed to shear and the designers have even considered where the engine will go and how to prevent it from entering the passenger compartment. When arriving on the scene a rescuer can learn a great deal by studying the vehicle(s) and noting the type and extent of damage. From these clues it is possible to estimate how much energy was transmitted to the passenger compartment. For example when the roof is buckled in the middle there has typically been a great deal of energy that has passed through the passenger area. A good resource is to watch crash test footage. Watch in slow motion when possible and look for the Crumple Zones to develop.