I read a USA report regarding the level of safety in today's...

I read a USA report regarding the level of safety in today's cars where they stated that there is actually no difference, IE no improvement over cars produced 30 years ago.

The crumple zones. air bags etc have been offset by the cheaper and simpler construction.

My Falcon (late model)is made from metal so thin that it can be dented simply by pushing a finger hard onto the body.

Certainly it is rare to see a car after an accident that is even remotely recognizable they are so mangled.