The Relation Between Vehicle Weight and Risk of Crash Fatalities

August 1, 2011 in Daily Bulletin

In this article, the increased safety risk to drivers due to heavier vehicles is assessed. They found that the average weight of vehicles has increased by about 1,000 lbs. since 1980; this increase can largely be attributed to the popularity enjoyed by SUVs. It was found that this extra weight increased the risk of fatality from a car crash by 47%.

Source: Freakonomics Blog