Fatality risk of drivers compared to right front passengers is examined versus car model year (MY) using Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) data for 1975 through 1986. MY r 1968 cars, which complied with Federal Motor Vehicle Standard 203 (impact protection for the driver) and FMVSS 204 (rearward column displacement), are compared to MY - < 1966 cars, which did not comply with these standards.It is found that, compared to right front passengers in the same cars, drivers had higher relative fatality risks in MY r1968 cars whereas they had lower relative fatality risks in MY <- 1966 cars.
Abstract