This paper presents the key aspects of the use of thin-walled sections for collision energy absorbing components. The process of deformation of thin-walled structures and the parameters expressing their energy absorption are described in detail. The research on improving the energy absorption of thin-walled sections, through the use of, e.g., tailored blanks, polyurethane foams and mechanical joining methods, conducted for many years in the Institute of Production Engineering and Automation at Wrocław University of Technology is reported.