fft1976@gmail.com wrote:
> On Apr 1, 8:47�am, SMS <scharf.ste...@geemail.com> wrote:
>> fft1...@gmail.com wrote:
>>> I found this interesting study that shows the risk to drivers of other
>>> vehicles vs the risk to drivers for different 1995-1999 vehicle
>>> models.
>>> http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/...ty-newWin.html
>>> For cars, it shows Camry to be the safest (with Accord and others
>>> pretty close). The data is not normalized per mile traveled though.
>>> What I find odd is that Prizm is considerably less safe than Corolla,
>>> according to them. Is there a likely mechanical explanation (dual
>>> airbags are standard in both, but perhaps the quality is different),
>>> or is this a statistical artifact due to the poorer and thus younger
>>> people buying Prizms?
>>> By the way, does anyone know of a similar, but more up-to-date study?
>>> I'd also like the probabilities of disablement included with the data
>>> given per mile traveled.
>> In terms of your own safety, select a vehicle based on the IIHS and
>> NHTSA crash test ratings. For mid-size cars, the Subaru Legacy did the
>> best when you look at both ratings.
>
> Crash tests don't tell the whole story. They hide the fact that
> driving a heavier vehicle is safer for you.

really? have you seen this?
http://bridger.us/2002/12/16/CrashTe...perVsFordF150/

crash safety has nothing to do with weight and everything to do with
energy absorption and deceleration rates. the passenger cell of the
vehicle needs to resist deformation, and the crumple zones need to
absorb energy, thus keep deceleration rates down.


>
> If you are a good driver and live in an urban area, you are probably
> more likely to be in an accident involving another car than a concrete
> wall.
>
> Relative weight does matter. Graphic illustration:
> http://izismile.com/2009/03/31/road_...is_7_pics.html

exactly as above.

oh, and another dirty little secret - heavier vehicles are harder to
stop [as graphically illustrated] - thus they /increase/ the road
hazard, not decrease it.

are you shilling for an oil company by any chance? oilcos have a HUGE
vested interest in heavy vehicles, not consumers - because of the extra
fuel consumption.