In the sequence of events, what is the second event?

• A. Vehicle impact with Object
• B. Occupant impact with vehicle
• C. Occupant organs impact solid structures of the body
• D. Vehicle stop

Answer: (B)

In a crash, injuries are often described as a sequence of three collisions. The first collision is the vehicle striking the object it hits. As the vehicle comes to a rapid stop, the occupant continues moving momentarily, so the next event is the occupant colliding with the interior of the vehicle—this is the second collision. This is when the person whips against the dashboard, steering wheel, or seat. The third collision involves the internal organs hitting solid structures inside the body, which can cause internal injuries. The vehicle eventually stops as an outcome of these decelerations, but that stopping itself isn’t considered a separate collision in the sequence.