An energy absorbing device which includes a deformable or elastomeric energy absorbing member, an indenting element, and means for effecting relative movement causing the indenting element to be pressed into the energy absorbing member; the energy absorbing member being restrained against translation movement but otherwise not bonded so that, on relative movement of the energy absorbing member indenting elements, the indenting element not only causes localized deformation of the energy absorbing member, but also subjecting the energy absorbing member to tension loads and compressing loads throughout substantial areas at opposite sides of the region of localized deformation so that energy absorbtion is distributed over a substantial region.