It's Official: SUV owners survive crashes 50% better

[nimbus]

But larger vehicles are most likely safer for single-vehicle crashes and absolutely most definitely safer for vehicle-on-vehicle crashes.

This concept seems like a slam dunk. Drive a heaver car if you can tolerate the cost of gas.

I agree with you. For an individual, buying a heavier car is safer. My initial argument was that a policy aimed at reducing the weight of the entire vehicle fleet improves safety overall

 

[mrplunkey]

Weight Class - Statistics show that if two vehicles with the same NHTSA full frontal rating crash into each other head on, but one vehicle weighs twice as much as the other, the occupants of the lighter one (2000 lbs / 909 kgs) are eight times more likely to be killed than the occupants of the heavier vehicle (4000 lbs / 1818 kgs). However, vehicle weight offers no safety advantage or disadvantage in single-vehicle crashes.


Crashtest.com - Vehicle Weight Class

That's a 1999 study that didn't factor-in the improved rollover characteristics and greater safety features of larger vehicles (SUV's in particular).

 

[nimbus]

^^^
did anyone see this

if that's true, and a fleet of lighter cars improves overall safety in multi-vehicle crashes as well, then a policy favoring lighter vehicles is definitely advantageous

 

[PICK3]

That's a 1999 study that didn't factor-in the improved rollover characteristics and greater safety features of larger vehicles (SUV's in particular).

I suck at quoting car safety stats



and at life

 

[Mr. dB]

I think you're far more likely to improve your odds of survival by being careful and alert at the wheel, than by changing your vehicle choice due to published safety stats.

 

[mrplunkey]

I think you're far more likely to improve your odds of survival by being careful and alert at the wheel, than by changing your vehicle choice due to published safety stats.

But you can be careful in a smartcar (deathtrap) or a big BMW. Those choices just compound your chances of surviving.

 

[PICK3]

Those choices just compound your chances of surviving.

just like knot dressing Mr. Long John or outfitting him in his xxx-large raincoat

 

[Mr. dB]

But you can be careful in a smartcar (deathtrap) or a big BMW. Those choices just compound your chances of surviving.

The best choice you can make is to not have a wreck.

 

[Mr. dB]

...smartcar (deathtrap)...

I suppose you have some facts (i.e. Smart Car crast statistics) to back up this claim?

 

[PICK3]