Exploring the relationship between vehicle safety and fuel efficiency in automotive design

Panel data analysis is used within a fixed effect model to examine the relationship between vehicle safety ratings and fuel efficiency of 45 new vehicle models sold in the US between 2002 and 2007. While conventional wisdom and most early literature suggest that lighter, more fuel efficient vehicles are less safe to their occupants, the tests show a positive relationship between vehicle safety ratings and fuel efficiencies not only within and across most size classes but also for vehicles produced by both the US and Asian automakers. We also explore the design initiatives by manufacturers to compensate for the reductions in weight/size of fuel-efficient vehicles.

• Record URL:
  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VH8-4XSV0RT-1/2/1754cb8cce3da110b9aa5652e4cb1f5f
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13619209
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Elsevier
• Authors:
  • Chen, Chialin
  • Ren, Yu
• Publication Date: 2010-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 112-116
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 1361-9209
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13619209

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fuel consumption; Panel studies; Vehicle design; Vehicle safety; Vehicle size; Vehicle weight
• Uncontrolled Terms: Motor vehicle models
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01152051
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 16 2010 6:11AM