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Fuel-Efficiency Standards May Threaten Safety

Experts say tight rules could push automakers to make smaller cars

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 20, 2009 12:53 PM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama’s new vehicle fuel-efficiency rules have safety experts worried that automakers will comply by churning out smaller, lighter cars—the more likely to kill you with, USA Today reports. Smaller vehicles are an easy route to boost efficiency that can also mean thousands more crash fatalities, but administration deadlines “are so tight that downsizing will be a tempting compliance strategy,” says a former US regulator.

But for the Obama administration, the rules don't mean forcing pint-size cars on an unwilling market. "Because every (size) category has to get more efficient, if the soccer mom wants to buy her minivan, it will be a more fuel-efficient minivan. If someone wants to buy a big SUV, it will be a more fuel-efficient SUV," says a White House staffer.

Cars give off exhaust fumes in Montpelier, Vt., Jan. 26, 2009.
Cars give off exhaust fumes in Montpelier, Vt., Jan. 26, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Toyota's compact iQ is small and fuel-efficient, but experts worry about the safety of similar vehicles.
Toyota's compact iQ is small and fuel-efficient, but experts worry about the safety of similar vehicles.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama, center, is applauded in the Rose Garden of the White House yesterday during an announcement on new fuel and emissions standards for cars and trucks.
President Barack Obama, center, is applauded in the Rose Garden of the White House yesterday during an announcement on new fuel and emissions standards for cars and trucks.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
fancygapva
May 20, 2009 9:50 AM CDT
I drive a Kia Rio. I would feel safer if the bumpers weren't plastic and there were fewer SUVs on the road. Last I heard on SUV safety was that they are more likely to turn over in a colision
kyleleitch
May 20, 2009 8:13 AM CDT
Indeed.
psycada
May 20, 2009 8:04 AM CDT
The is beyond stupidity. The guidelines are even dumber. These companies currently hold viable patents to allow them well over 50 MPG, and some say up to 200MPG. Some of these patents have been around for almost 100 years. 35 MPG is a joke now, let a lone in 7 years. Vehicles built by Henry Ford himself had better mileage, even though they had shittier roads, no suspension and crap for tires. How the hell did we go backwards with mileage after making roads, suspensions and tires better? Oh yeah......Big Oil.......

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