SAFETY AND SMALL CARS

While there is an increased risk associated with driving a smaller car, the size of that risk will depend on how much smaller or lighter the smaller car is than the one to which it is being compared. Actions taken by the individual driver, such as driving more defensively and using available restraints, can reduce the overall risks associated with driving small cars. In addition, vehicle design technology has increased dramatically in recent years, so that our new cars make much more efficient use of structure than was possible even a few years ago. Test facilities and procedures are constantly revised and improved to reflect changing real-world conditions and improved technology. General Motors believes this increasing level of vehicle development expertise is resulting in improved products for our customers. You can take maximum advantage of these improvements by employing the restraint systems supplied with your car. We believe our new products coupled with your redoubled safe-driving habits, can result in a safer driving environment for all of us.

• Corporate Authors:

  General Motors Corporation

  Warren, MI  United States  48090
• Publication Date: 1982-1

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 10 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Compact automobiles; Defensive drivers; Hazards; Restraint systems; Risk assessment; Technology; Vehicle design; Vehicle safety
• Old TRIS Terms: Occupant restraint; Small car; Vehicular safety
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00376306
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-034 208
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 30 1983 12:00AM