Vehicle Height Incompatibility Dangers

Two cars crashed

flic.kr/p/axFPp5

Mismatch of the front ends of the vehicles in this crash test is a problem.  The SUV’s front-end energy-absorbing structure rides of the car’s.  In a real crash, this could increase injury risks for the car occupants, which is why auto manufacturers have been committed since 2003 to designing the front ends of light trucks (SUVs and pickups) so their energy-absorbing structures overlap those of cars (see Status Report, Jan. 3, 2004; on the web at www.iihs.org).

“Compliance with these voluntary commitments already is making a difference, even Read more . . .

What Parents Should Know About Car Safety

To most of us, our children are the most precious things in the world. In this age of high speed, high pressure and high tech, our families provide a welcome respite–an escape to simpler times when the world was home-centered, not business-centered. Like a mother bear protecting her cubs, we have become fanatic about sheltering our children from harm. And, for all the benefits motor vehicles have brought us in terms of mobility and freedom, they have also exacted a price with respect to our children. Read more . . .

Risks Higher For Teen Drivers With Teen Passengers

Risks are higher for teenage drivers with teen passengers, and new research points to behaviors that are increasing the risks.

When teenagers drive with peers in their vehicles, they drive faster than other motorists and leave less distance between themselves and the vehicles in front of them. They more frequently engage in other risky behaviors like speeding. These are the findings of a recent study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and Westat. Read more . . .