Which type of collision is characterized by the vehicle spinning or rotating without a direct head-on crash?

• A. Frontal
• B. Spin/rotational
• C. Lateral
• D. Rear-end

Answer: (B)

Spin/rotational collisions describe a loss of control where the vehicle continues to rotate around its vertical axis, often after an off-center impact or while skidding. There isn’t a direct head-on contact; instead the car yaws and spins, possibly striking objects or other parts of the vehicle as it changes direction. This is different from frontal crashes (direct head-on), lateral/side impacts (tar-on-one-side), or rear-end crashes (hit from behind). Understanding this helps explain why the injury patterns and vehicle dynamics in a spin/rotational crash differ, with occupants experiencing abrupt changes in direction and potential secondary impacts inside the cabin.