Science Simulations, Technology Simulations, Engineering Simulations, Mathematics Simulations
Lesson 2: Does the type of vehicle affect driver safety?
When it comes time for you to buy a car, what will matter most to you? The price? The look? The color? Driver safety should be one of your top factors when making your purchase. So, the question must be asked: does the type of vehicle you drive affect your chance of being injured in a crash? Fasten your seat belt and get started in this study of vehicle safety.
Here are some definitions to help you in your investigation.
Vehicle - a car, truck, or SUV
Variable - something that can change
Footwell - the inside of a car down by the driver’s feet
Intrusion - how much the car frame moved into the driver
Acceleration - how quickly or slowly the driver changed speed inside the car
Risk - how likely an injury would happen. 100% means that the injury would occur. 0% means no injury would happen.
Doing the science
- Start the Car Crash Simulation.
- Select the blue SUV on the left side of the screen.
- Select the “Medium” crush zone stiffness.
- Select the “Medium” crush zone length.
- Select the “Crash Center” button at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the “40 MPH” speed, and then select the “Crash It” button.
- Select the “Analysis Center” button at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the “Medical Report” button. Record this information in Table 1.
- Select the “New Vehicle” button at the bottom of the screen.
- Repeat steps 3–8, except choose the red car on the right side of the screen.