The Obama NHTSA decreed an increase in MPG.
One way to increase MPG is to reduce vehicle weight.
A 2001 National Academy of Sciences panel found that constraining automobile manufacturers to produce smaller, lighter vehicles in the 1970s and early 1980s "probably resulted in an additional 1,300 to 2,600 traffic fatalities in 1993."
Well, that was then. What about now?
According to a 2003 NHTSA study, when a vehicle is reduced by 100 pounds the estimated fatality rate increases as much as 5.63 percent for light cars weighing less than 2,950 pounds, 4.70 percent for heavier cars weighing over 2,950 pounds and 3.06 percent for light trucks. Between model years 1996 and 1999, these rates translated into additional traffic fatalities of 13,608 for light cars, 10,884 for heavier cars and 14,705 for light trucks.
Well, death reduces ObamaCare costs, right?
HT: Ace/Dave
Ummmmmm, with the use of high strength steel in strategic locations as well as laser welding vs. spot welding, cars can get lighter and be just as safe.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we will all pay more for these more expensive production technologies. That, and engines will have terrible acceleration/performance.
So no, I don't agree that this is a death sentence on the American car buying public.