How does the safety performance of different vehicle types and weights affect the severity of a driver’s injury?

Abstract

This study explores the impact of vehicle type and weight on occupant protection in fixed-object crashes. The analysis compares these outcomes with rollovers and two-vehicle collisions to further investigate vehicle types' performance. Data from fixed-object, rollover, and two-vehicle crashes in Iran during the last six years were examined. The crashworthiness (CW) index, defined using the Binomial Logistic Regression model based on the driver's injury status, demonstrates that rollover crashes are considerably more dangerous than fixed-objects or two-vehicle crashes. Trucks and SUVs exhibit superior performance compared to other vehicle types. The evaluation of vehicle weight indicates that increased weight does not consistently enhance safety, with the least dangerous weight range being 1500 to 2000 kg. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of vehicle safety and the severity of occupant injuries across all crash types.