It is interesting though that the IIHS chose not to test a Focus against a Crown Vic, or a Cobalt against a Silverado, or a......well you get the drift.
The test itself is legitimate, the context of the test, and what was not tested says a lot more.
And to hit at the heart of the safety issue, they ought to be publishing real world mortality and morbidity rates for vehicles, all lowered to a common denominator of "risk per 10,000 miles" That would be more meaningful for end users.
Trucks in lab tests and large 500 HP sedans in lab tests can appear to be "safe" to crash in, but the real world tells a different story.
It is interesting though that the IIHS chose not to test a Focus against a Crown Vic, or a Cobalt against a Silverado, or a......well you get the drift.
The test itself is legitimate, the context of the test, and what was not tested says a lot more.
And to hit at the heart of the safety issue, they ought to be publishing real world mortality and morbidity rates for vehicles, all lowered to a common denominator of "risk per 10,000 miles" That would be more meaningful for end users.
Trucks in lab tests and large 500 HP sedans in lab tests can appear to be "safe" to crash in, but the real world tells a different story.
You have hit upon a key point, I would like to see the real world numbers for the different cars, like number killed/injured in 1 year for 100,000 cars. This would factor in not only head-on crashes, but also potential rollovers and side impacts.
The data is so out of context for the front end crashes, it's next to useless.
I did a bit of looking around and reading the official IIHS press release. I looked at the viedo of the smart test a number of times and quite frankly it is an ugly crash but you probably would have survived in the smart without critical injuries.
What I am unclear about is that IIHS said this was a 40 mph offset head-on crash. After looking at the tape many times I feel that both cars may have been traveling at 40 mph, if my belief is correct that amounts to basically an 80 mph offset barrier crash for the smart.
I believe the IIHS test indicated exactly what the IIHS and its' sponsors intended that the public would draw the conclusion tha tsmall cars are unsafe.
I believe the IIHS has lost all creditability and they sold their integrity.
You have hit upon a key point, I would like to see the real world numbers for the different cars, like number killed/injured in 1 year for 100,000 cars. This would factor in not only head-on crashes, but also potential rollovers and side impacts.
The data is so out of context for the front end crashes, it's next to useless.
Bob Diaz
We would have to have some very specific numbers. A recent local accident involved a large pickup and a Mustang. There was a fatality - the pickup driver. Why? Because she was ejected from the truck and died from that. My guess it will show up as a truck fatality in the stats.
What I am unclear about is that IIHS said this was a 40 mph offset head-on crash. After looking at the tape many times I feel that both cars may have been traveling at 40 mph, if my belief is correct that amounts to basically an 80 mph offset barrier crash for the smart.as lost all creditability and they sold their integrity.
I posted pretty much the same thing a while ago... seems to me it is the critical issue, yet there is no clarity on the subject.
What I take away from all this is that Those who drive large vehicles are a danger and a hazard to those doing the right thing by buying and driving sensible vehicles. No one should drive a vehicle any larger than is absolutely necessary.
Oh, and Forest - the Susan Boyles vid was fantastic - thanks for that!
What I take away from all this is that Those who drive large vehicles are a danger and a hazard to those doing the right thing by buying and driving sensible vehicles. No one should drive a vehicle any larger than is absolutely necessary.
I don't think there is a "right vehicle" to drive.
I believe every person should be free to drive whatever they think is best for themselves.
What is sensible for some might not be sensible for others.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Rana smartii
Snowball
Red Pearl
RV
The White Knight
1976 Rover Mini
2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec (SOLD)
2009 smart Passion (Gone)
2011 smart Passion
Today
Linear Mode
