What should you aim to do when hitting an object to minimize crash consequences?

When faced with the necessity of hitting an object, aiming to strike it at an angle can significantly reduce the consequences of the collision. By hitting an object at an angle, you are able to deflect the impact energy in a way that allows for a greater chance of control over the vehicle and a less severe impact. This technique helps to distribute the forces more broadly across the vehicle's structure and may cause less cause injury to its occupants.

While reducing speed before an impact is generally beneficial for minimizing harm, it is not always feasible in a sudden situation. Turning off the engine does not influence the impact dynamics or the severity of the crash. Similarly, hitting an object head-on presents the highest risk due to the direct line of force and energy transfer between the vehicle and the object, which tends to result in more severe consequences. Therefore, aiming to hit an object at an angle is a strategy designed to enhance safety during a collision scenario.