Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)

Keywords

How does a side impact protection system work?

A side impact protection system (SIPS) is a safety system that protects the occupants of a car against injury in the event of another vehicle crashing into the side of it.

The side of the car body is reinforced, with energy-absorbing honeycomb materials being used inside the doors. The idea is to distribute the energy of the impact more widely across the whole side of the car, rather than having one area absorb it all.

Related Jargon

What is the crumple zone in a car?

A crumple zone is a safety feature on a car that is designed to absorb the energy from the impact during a crash, by allowing the metal to deform safely.

What is a car's safety cell?

A car’s safety cell is a passenger compartment built with high-strength materials, usually steel which has the strength to stay intact in the event of a crash.

How does a side impact protection system work?

A side impact protection system (SIPS) is a safety system that protects the occupants of a car against injury in the event of another vehicle crashing into the side of it.