An energy absorber for improving passenger safety in a vehicle during an impact to the vehicle, the energy absorber comprising a hollow body having a base defining a proximal end of the body, the base being configured to affix the body to a portion of the vehicle, the body further including a sidewall extending from the base and terminating in a distal end of the body, the sidewall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface including a portion defining an interior step transition, the exterior surface including a portion defining an exterior step transition, the interior and exterior step transitions being provided at locations axially offset from each other along the sidewall.