Padded dashboards in cars are safer than non-padded ones because an occupant hitting the dashboard has?

Padded dashboards in cars are safer than non-padded ones because they provide a softer surface that can absorb some of the impact energy during a collision. This reduces the risk of serious injuries, such as head trauma, that can occur when an occupant strikes a hard, unyielding surface. The cushioning helps to dissipate forces and minimize blunt force injuries, thereby enhancing overall passenger safety.