Final answer:
The energy-absorbing feature that protects the driver in a front or rear-end collision is the car's ability to crumple or collapse, which increases the collision time and reduces the force acting on the car and occupants.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a front or rear-end collision, the energy-absorbing feature that protects the driver is the car's ability to crumple or collapse. This feature increases the collision time, which reduces the force acting on the car and the occupants. Cars today have many plastic components, which contribute to the crumpling effect. The longer collision time decreases the force on the car, reducing the risk of serious injury to the driver.