Side impact crashes are especially susceptible to which outcome?

In side impact crashes, the structure of many vehicles does not provide the same level of protection for occupants as front and rear impacts, mainly due to the absence of a crumple zone on the sides of the vehicle. This vulnerability makes side impact collisions particularly hazardous for passengers, as they can be subjected to direct forces without the benefits of additional structural protections found in front or rear impacts.

Though rollovers can occur due to various factors, such as vehicle dynamics, the immediate consequence of a side impact crash is more likely to involve injury to passengers rather than causing the vehicle to roll over. The nature of side impacts tends to transfer significant energy directly to the occupants, increasing the risk of serious injuries, especially for those seated on the impacted side of the vehicle.

Since the correct answer emphasizes the heightened risk of passenger injuries in side impact scenarios, it aligns with recognized safety assessments in vehicle design and crash dynamics.