Approximately how high is the impact force when hitting a stationary object at 60 mph?

When evaluating the impact force when hitting a stationary object at 60 mph, it is important to understand the relationship between speed and the force of impact. The physics of collisions demonstrates that the kinetic energy involved in a crash increases with the square of the speed, meaning that a vehicle traveling at higher speeds will exert significantly more force upon impact than one traveling at lower speeds.

In this context, the comparison to falling from a building helps illustrate the severity of a crash at high speeds. Falling from a greater height means that the falling object gains more speed due to gravity, leading to a greater impact force upon landing. Hitting an object at 60 mph causes a force that approximates the impact of falling from a 10-story building, reflecting the tremendous energy involved in a vehicle traveling at that speed. This comparison enhances the understanding of the potential dangers associated with high-speed driving, emphasizing the need for caution and adherence to speed limits to ensure safety on the roads.