So Much in So Little Time

How Fast can you die in a speeding car? It would be a good idea if every driver would ponder this question.

Several years ago, some experts figured out an answer to this question. Here is the slow-motion, split-second reconstruction of what can happen when a car, traveling only 55 miles an hour crashes into a tree:

One-tenth of a second- The front bumper and chrome of the grill-work collapse. Slivers of steel penetrate the tree to a depth of one and a half inches or more;

Two-tenths of a second- The hood crumples as it rises, smashing into the windshield. Spinning rear wheels leave the ground. The fenders come into contact with the tree, forcing the rear parts out over the front doors. The heavy structural members of the car begin to act as a brake on the terrific forward momentum of the car. But the driver's body continues to move forward at the vehicle's original speed (20 times the normal force of gravity, his body weighs 3,200 pounds). His legs, ramrod straight, snap at the knee joints;

Three-tenths of a second- The driver's body is now off the seat, torso upright, broken knees pressing against the dashboard. The plastic and steel frame of the steering wheel begins to bend under his terrible death-grip. His head is now near the sun visor, his chest above the steering column;

Four-tenths of a second- The car's front 24 inches have been demolished, but the rear end is still traveling at an estimated speed of 35 miles an hour. The driver's body is still traveling 55 miles an hour. The motor block crunches into the tree. The rear of the car, like a bucking horse, rises high enough to scrape bark off low branches;

Five-tenths of a second- the driver's fear-frozen hands bend the steering column into an almost vertical position. The force of gravity impales him on the steering shaft. Jagged steel punctures lungs and intercostals arteries. Blood spurts into his lungs;

Six-tenths of a second- The driver's feet are ripped from his tightly laced shoes. The brake pedal sheers off at the floorboards. The chassis breaks in the middle, shearing body bolts. The driver's head smashes into the windshield. The rear of the car begins its downward fall, spinning wheels digging into the ground;

Seven-tenths of a second- The entire writhing body of the car is forced out of shape. Hinges tear, doors spring open, in one last convulsion, the seat rams forward, pinning the driver against the steel of the steering shaft. Blood leaps from his mouth, shock has frozen his heart. He is dead.

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