Final answer:
A motorist can reduce collision chances by increasing the time of impact through car design elements like crumple zones, following safety precautions like wearing seat belts, and by being aware of their surroundings and following traffic laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
A motorist can reduce the chances of a collision by engaging in safe driving practices and using safety features correctly. One crucial aspect is understanding how certain car components, like crumple zones, aid in protecting passengers during an accident. The correct answer to the question about how crumple zones help protect passengers is that 'It reduces injury to the passengers by increasing the time of impact.' This is because increasing the time over which the impact occurs reduces the force experienced by the occupants in accordance with the impulse-momentum theorem. Additionally, wearing a safety belt, avoiding distractions such as using a cellphone without proper hands-free equipment, and obeying traffic signals and laws, are essential preventive measures.
To prevent rear collisions, awareness of surroundings and using the vehicle's mirrors effectively can help a driver anticipate potential hazards and react accordingly. Being insured and understanding the mechanical aspects of your vehicle, like the benefits of plastic components in reducing collision forces, also contribute to overall safety.