Sivutörmäys

Sivutörmäys refers to a type of traffic accident where the side of a vehicle is struck by another vehicle. This contrasts with frontal or rear-end collisions. Side impacts often occur at intersections, during lane changes, or when a vehicle runs a red light or stop sign.

The forces involved in a side-impact collision can be particularly dangerous because vehicles typically offer less structural protection on their sides compared to the front or rear. The doors, pillars, and floor pan are not as reinforced as the crumple zones found in the front and back of a car. This means that occupants are more vulnerable to direct impact and intrusion into the passenger compartment.

Common injuries resulting from sivutörmäys include rib fractures, internal organ damage, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. The severity of these injuries depends on factors such as the speed of the vehicles, the angle of impact, and the safety features of the vehicles involved, such as side airbags and reinforced door beams.

To mitigate the risk and severity of side-impact collisions, modern vehicles are equipped with various safety systems. These include side curtain airbags, which deploy from the roofline to protect the head, and side-impact airbags, which are often integrated into the seats. Vehicle design also plays a role, with stronger B-pillars and side-impact protection beams in the doors. Traffic engineering measures, such as improved intersection design and traffic calming strategies, also aim to reduce the frequency of such accidents.