FLEET ACCIDENT EVALUATION OF FMVSS 121

The report presents the final results of a four-year project to evaluate the safety impact of FMVSS 121. The study focuses on the experience of 1974-1977 model year vehicles during the calendar years 1976-1978. National estimates of fatal and injury accident involvement rates (number of involvements per hundred million vehicle miles) are developed for pre-and post-standard vehicles in various exposure categories. Many approximations and assumptions were necessary to carry out this analysis with the available data. The influence of these factors must be taken into account when interpreting results. National samples of vehicles were selected from manufacturers' sales lists for exposure surveys. The data collected included descriptive information on the company and vehicle, mileage, and type of use. The NHTSA Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) provides information on all fatal accidents. These data were supplemented by telephone interviews. Injury level accident data were obtained from the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety. The authors conclude that this study provides no evidence of a substantial safety benefit for post-standard vehicles. It is recommended that future evaluation programs be expanded to include limited pilot, or demonstration, programs and planning of the national impact evaluation prior to implementation of the countermeasure.

  • Corporate Authors:

    University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

    2901 Baxter Road
    Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109-2150

    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Campbell, K L
    • CARSTEN, O
  • Publication Date: 1981-8

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Tables;
  • Pagination: 342 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00399236
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: UM-HSRI-81-9 Final Rpt., HS-806 261
  • Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-6-01286
  • Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Sep 30 1985 12:00AM