The point and force of impact can affect the damage a body sustains. Crumple zones can protect drivers and passengers, as can reinforced framing within the car, but a direct hit can still lead to serious injuries. A person’s chest or sternum can endure severe damage from colliding with a steering wheel, an airbag, and even a seatbelt. Experiencing a minor blow to the chest can knock the wind out of a person and lead to breathing problems. Some of the more severe injuries to the chest and sternum involve damage to the heart or large blood vessels, the trachea (windpipe), a punctured lung, injury to the kidneys, injury to the spleen, and broken or fractured ribs. If a driver hits the steering wheel or door of the vehicle, these situations can cause significant damage to a person’s chest or sternum.