Which structural feature improves crash safety by absorbing energy during impact?

The correct choice highlights the importance of crush zones in vehicle design, specifically in relation to enhancing crash safety. Crush zones are strategically engineered areas of a vehicle that are designed to deform and absorb kinetic energy in the event of a collision. By crumpling upon impact, these zones help to dissipate the energy that would otherwise be transferred to the occupants of the vehicle. This process reduces the risk of injury to passengers by increasing the time it takes for the force of the impact to be absorbed, effectively lowering the severity of the impact experienced inside the cabin.

In contrast, while cross members and reinforced pillars contribute to the overall structural integrity of a vehicle, their primary function is to provide support and rigidity rather than energy absorption. Energy-absorbing bumpers also play a role in impact reduction, but their effectiveness is typically limited to low-speed collisions. Crush zones, on the other hand, are specifically designed to work during high-speed impacts, making them a critical safety feature in modern automotive design.