State and federal new-car safety regulation: Effects on fatality rates

Abstract

Car occupant and pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 cars registered in Maryland were calculated for the calendar years 1972–1975. Cars sold prior to state or federal regulation (models prior to 1964) had an average yearly occupant fatality rate of 44. Cars with front outboard lap seat belts required by state law (1964–1967 models), as well as some crash protection installed in relation to standards required of cars sold to the government (mainly in 1967 models), averaged 35 occupant deaths per 100,000 registered cars, 20% less than pre-1964 cars. For federally regulated (post-1967) cars, occupant deaths averaged 27 per 100,000 cars yearly, 23% less than 1964–1967 models and 39% less than pre-1964 models. The differences were unrelated to driver age. No consistent differences in the rates at which they killed pedestrians were found among unregulated, state regulated or subsequent federally regulated cars. Thus, there is no evidence to support Peltzman's contention that increased occupant protection resulted in increased hazard to pedestrians.