Book Description

Analyses based on 1973 data from the Texas state automobile accident and registration records have been utilized in this study of the relationship between passenger car weight and occupant safety. In particular, the research showed the following, (1) The relatively higher frequency of accidents in large cars than in small cars is statistically very significant, (2) the relatively higher frequency of accidents resulting in fatal or serious injuries in large cars than in small cars is statistically very significant, (3) although the occupants of small cars appear to have a higher frequency of incurring fatal or serious injuries given that an accident has occurred, such an inclination is not statistically significant, (4) accidents involving drunken drivers occur much more frequently in large cars than in small cars statistically to a very significant degree. The current study is the first phase of a larger study focusing on the relationship between automobile weight and energy savings as well as the environmental and economic effects of varying auto weight.