Small is dangerous – according to US research

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration analysed statistics from every major type of crash between 1991 and 1999 and found that occupants of lighter cars would suffer the most if the nation’s cars and trucks were to become lighter. NHTSA estimated that reducing weight per vehicle by an average 100 pounds would result in 597 more small-car deaths annually, 216 more large car deaths and 305 more light truck deaths. “It doesn’t mean we would rule out weight reductions,” said NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson.

“We don’t design vehicles. But it does mean the people who design vehicles will have to be careful about how they make weight reductions so they don’t compromise safety.” This continues a long tradition of defending the typically large US vehicle.