an energy - dissipating element has the form of a hollow body extending in the longitudinal direction , wherein the element comprises a wall forming the peripheral surface of the hollow body . the element is designed to respond upon the exceeding of a critical impact force applied to a front of the element and to convert at least a portion of the impact energy ensuing from the transfer of the impact force through the element into the energy and heat of deformation by plastic deformation . the energy - dissipating element is composed of at least one deformation element formed from a hollow profile and extending along the longitudinal axis of the hollow body which forms the wall of the energy - dissipating element .