Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in America and around the world. But as bad as they are today, they used to be worse.
Despite the '70s having some of the biggest and heaviest cars of any era, they were hardly safe. Especially considering that virtually nobody wore a seat belt, and drunk driving was commonplace.
Here are 20 photos of what it looked like to wreck a car in the 1970s.
1
A Young Boy
After stealing and crashing his father's car, he takes his last puff before consequences.
2
Front End Impact
Hard hit.
3
A Train and Car Collision
1978, no injuries.
4
A Trailer Bent in Two
Cracked in 1973.
5
A 1971 Crash Test
Big vs little car.
6
A Flat Tire
Sitting by the side of the road.
7
Car Struck By Train
Arkansas, 1976.
8
In a Ditch
A drunk driver crash, 1976.
9
A Bad Accident
I-89 in Vermont, 1975.
10
I-89 Continued
The whole scene.
11
I-89 Continued
Serious damage.
12
Trans-Canada Highway
June 1976.
13
In a Ditch
Don't get wet!
14
Train 1, Car 0
A crash in 1977.
15
Busted Front End
Photo from 1970s Dutch police.
16
From Dutch Police
Continued. Rollover.
17
Pretty Foregrnound
Gnarly background.
18
In a Ditch
French car can't stay on the road.
20
Old Chapel Road
Mid 70s accident.
