Relief cuts in a dash displacement should be made in which orientation relative to the A post?

• A. Parallel
• B. Perpendicular
• C. Angled upward
• D. Angled downward

Answer: (B)

Relief cuts are placed to create a controlled release path so the dash can deform safely without pulling open along the A-pillar. Making the cuts perpendicular to the A-pillar gives a clean release plane that opens as the dash moves away from the occupant, reducing the risk of tearing or binding along the pillar. If the cuts ran parallel to the A-pillar, they could run along the pillar’s length and promote uncontrolled tearing or binding; angled cuts can direct deformation unpredictably and may not relieve the pressure effectively. So the perpendicular orientation provides the safest, most predictable release during dash displacement.