Most fuel efficient cars are small so doesn't that mean increased injury risk?

Question

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety smaller cars have higher fatality rates than larger ones. What's more important - saving fuel or saving lives? See IIHS death rate chart http://www.iihs.org/research/fatality_facts/occupants.html

Answer 1

This isn't a cut-and-dried situation. The Smart car is one of the tiniest on the road. When Mercedes crash-tested it against a full-size car, it was shown the Smart crumpled all around the occupant, and nothing touched the driver at all. It was surprisingly safe, but most would look at it and believe it would be dangerous to ride in. The 3rd generation Mustang, (not the Mustang II, don't get confused) not a large car, was one of the safest cars to be the driver of in an accident, safer than almost every full-size car on the road at the time.

Answer 2

older fuel efficient vehicles were known as death traps. but know with all of the focus being on safty and features automobiles are much different than before. but its not just small cars that cause fatal accidents its speed and road conditions. also less people opt for the extra safety features to save a few $$$ but that can be a fatal mistake. If you want to take less trips to the pump just do the research on vehicles safety vs. economy and drive more sensibly.

Answer 3

Maybe - but the size of the car isn't the only thing that determines safety. Small cars can still have lots of safety features, like seat belts, air bags, side impact protection, primary crush zones that crumple to absorb impact but protect the cabin, and so forth. Safety is not just having 4,000 lbs of steel cage surrounding you.

And that doesn't even begin to address safe driving procedures.

Answer 4

There are now hybrid cars, such as the mid range Lexus and the Lexus, SUV, Toyota Camry, etc. These are normal sized cars with top fuel performance (a third of a normal car).
No need to drive a tiny matchbox any more.

Answer 5

no. not necessarily. you just have to do your research. also, try a hybrid suv if you feel safe in a larger vehicle. check the crash and safety ratings on the vehicles web site. hope this helps a little.

Answer 6

Some (but not all) small cars increase your chances of being injured if you're in a crash. But they don't make you any more likely to crash, and might even make you less likely. The best way to minimise your risk of being injured is to drive less.