There are basically three types of safety equipment in vehicles: • Those that increase the driver's control • Those that increase the vehicle's performance • Those that cushion the force of impact of a collision (comedydefensivedriving.com)
The frame will absorb the initial impact of the collision, and the airbags will deploy to help cushion the blow. (depaula.com)
The company also noted that a highway safety barrier that might have lessened the impact of the collision had been «crushed in a prior accident without being replaced.» (techcrunch.com)