Safe cars versus fuel efficiency? Not so fast.
As Congress eyes a boost to fuel-economy standards, auto industry hints that safety could be compromised. Some experts disagree.
from the June 12, 2007 edition
Page 3 of 3
Mr. Newton says the alliance is highlighting other issues, not just safety. He also confirms that the alliance has greatly expanded the number of radio spots beyond its original target of 10 states with large numbers of SUV owners.
Indeed, the idea of being forced to drive a smaller car when so many large SUVs prowl the roads could provoke a visceral public response.
Radio spots feature worried moms
In one radio spot, voices depict two SUV-loving soccer moms. One worries that "Congress is about to pass a law that's going to make it harder and harder to find" and purchase bigger vehicles. Then she adds: "Automakers are going to be forced to build smaller and smaller cars."
"I'm all for better fuel economy," her friend responds. "But for me, safety is my top concern."
Such pitches have spilled onto the Internet, too.
"Rather than letting the experts at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration decide what standard is technologically feasible, the legislation mandates a standard that could compromise safety," says a new website created by the alliance, which encourages motorists to e-mail Congress.
Not all automakers are sending up red flares, however. American Honda Motor Co., the US division of Japanese maker Honda, has done at least four recent studies on the size, weight, and safety of vehicles and concludes design and technology are the most critical issues.
"It is certainly possible to put out fuel-economy requirements so stringent that automakers would have no choice but to downsize vehicles," says John German, manager of Environmental and Energy analysis for Honda Motor. "But if you do the fuel-economy requirements in any reasonable kind of manner, there shouldn't be any safety impacts."
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