Safety Ignored in EPA Fuel Economy Recommendations

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2004 -- In issuing fuel economy ratings for 2005 Model Year, the U.S. EPA praised the fuel economy leaders and recommended them to the public.

But all of EPA's Top Ten Fuel Economy Leaders have higher injury rates than large SUVs, according to insurance data. Large SUVs too often are criticized for being the wrong choice. But what's more important, saving a few gallons of gas or saving lives?

"Fuel economy is an important factor for new car buyers," said EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt. "As technology continues to improve, Americans can choose fuel-efficient cars without compromising comfort or style, and this is good for the environment and the wallet."

While SUVOA agrees that fuel economy is important, that statement omits the most important factor: you and your family's safety.

While all new vehicles are safer than their counterparts in the past -- especially when occupants use their safety belts -- size still matters. When a smaller vehicle collides with a larger vehicle, all else being equal the occupants of the larger vehicle usually come out best. This occurs not just when SUVs and cars collide, but also when cars of dissimilar size collide. What's more, size is particularly important in single-vehicle crashes.

See model by model injury comparison rates at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website: http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ictl/ictl.htm.

SUV Owners of America is a fully independent, non-profit organization with more than 23,000 supporters, representing the interests of 25 million SUV owners nationwide. The Board of Directors consists of recreational interests. Funding is derived from web site advertising and individual donations. SUVOA bylaws prohibit donations from the auto industry.