How does the design of cars have changed over years and in what ways help to reduce damage in crashes?

I want to know how the design of cars have changed and improven over years to make more safe and to reduce damage after crashes. Thanks

How does the design of cars have changed over years and in what ways help to reduce damage in crashes?
Cars have changed to take more damage in collisions as a buffer zone for the occupants so that they will in turn take less damage. These are typically called "crumple zones". In the 1960's, the average wreck would yield far less damage to the vehicle, but more severe injuries to the occupants, primarily because the reverse was true at the time. Passenger safety devices were virtually non-existent and the cars were built out of steel, for the most part (in the USA), which made them much more sturdy and damage resistant.
Reply:there is so much that has been improved. Air bags, side door panels, passenger compartment cages, directional crumpling of fenders and engines that go under the driver. Anti-lock brakes. Seatbelts and shoulder restraints. Safety glass. Self sealing gas tanks. Most are to protect the driver at the expense of the car. But an early improvement was the 5mph bumper and the use of plastics to reduce costs to repairs.
Reply:Reduce damage after crashes? Cars are designed to reduce INJURIES to it's occupants, which actually means increasing damage to certain parts of the car during a crash.. i.e. "crumple zones".





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Padded dash/steering wheel


Collapsible Steering column


No sharp controls sticking out from dash


Airbags/seatbelts


Traction control/ABS/electronic throttle control


Disc brakes


Tire pressure monitor


Cruise control (helps maintain safe speeds)


Head restraint (aka headrest)


Energy absorbing bumpers 5mph standard (1973-1983)


Spring mounted hood ornament


Transmission shift/brake interlock
Reply:The front of the car is designed to crumple and reduce the force on the passengers. The steering wheel is not so rigid that it will cause much damage to the driver and the steering wheel shaft is designed not to be pushed back into the driver. The gas tank is located in front of the rear axle so it is not ruptured in a rear end collision. Inside door handles are recessed so passengers will not be hurt by them. Seat belts and air bags protect the passengers.