The Safety Risks of Proposed Fuel Economy Legislation

Concerns have been raised that overly stringent fuel economy rules could compromise the safety of motor vehicle occupants. Even when occupants are restrained by belt systems, small car occupants incur elevated risks of serious injury and death in crashes. Some analysts have suggested that major gains in fuel economy can be achieved through technological improvements that would not compromise occupant safety. A series of new empirical studies have been published that shed additional light on the relative safety of small cars. In light of the new studies, this report updates the Crandall and Graham study of 1989 and analyzes the potential safety risks of new fuel economy legislation. Safety estimates in this report are based on the most comprehensive examination of the scientific literature on vehicle dimensions and safety that has yet to be published.