Driving Instructor Newton Le Willows
Newton le Willows, Warrington, St Helens. Driving Lessons, Driving Schools, Driving Instructors
DEATH ON THE ROAD
This is a slow motion split second reconstruction of what happens when a car traveling at 55 mph, crashes into a solid immovable tree. A slow motion picture of "DEATH ON THE ROAD"
1/10th of a second
The front bumper and chromium radiator grille collapse. Silvers os steel penetrate the tree to depths of 3.5 cm (1 1/2 in) or more.
2/10th of a second
The bonnet crumples as it rises, smashing into the windscreen. Spinning rear wheels leave the ground. The radiator disintegrates. The wings come into contact with the tree, forcing the rear parts to splay over the front doors, In the same tenth of a second the heavy structual members of the car begin to break up, at the same time acting as a brake on the terrific momentum of the body. But the drivers body continues to move forward at the vehicles original speed. This means a force of 20 times gravity! His body weighs 1451Kg (228 stone 8lbs). His legs, ramrod straight. snap at the knee joints.
3/10th of a second
The drivers 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.
4/10th of a second
The cars front 60cm (24 inches) have been completely demolished but the rear end is still travelling at 35 mph. The driver's body is still travelling at 55 mph. The engine block crunches into the tree. The rear end of the car, like a bucking horse rises enough to scrape bark of the lower branches.
5/10th of a second
The drivers frozen hands bend the steering column into an almost vertical position. The force of gravity impales him on the steering column. Jagged steel punctures lungs and intercostal arteries. Blood spurts into his lungs.
6/10th of a second
So great is the force of the impact that the drivers feet are ripped from his tightly laced shoes. The brake pedal sheers off at the floorboards. The chassis bends in the middle shearing body bolts. The head smashes into the windscreen and the rear of the car begins its downward fall, its spinning wheels dig into the ground.
7/10th of a second
The entire writhing body of the car is forced out of shape. Hinges tear, doors open. In one last convulsion the seat rams forward pinning the driver against the cruel steel of the steering column. Blood leaps from his mouth. Shock has frozen his heart.
HE IS NOW DEAD!
TIME ELASPED - 7/10th OF A SECOND
When you feel like "putting your foot down" because you are a little pressed for time, remember the little story above, because as it comes round to the 2nd second you would have no more interest in TIME.
The above article is based on a true incident and is not FICTION.