Background of the overall Research Safety Vehicle (RSV) Program is presented and some of the significant findings are summarized. Vehicle characteristics suitable for an automobile that could be introduced in the mid-1980's are defined. Projected vehicle usage, estimated population growth, the absence of alternative personal transportation modes, and projected economic and resources status combine to signal the necessity for more efficient vehicles. Growth of total vehicle miles travelled implies a potential increase in accidents. Therefore, safety provisions must be integrated into the vehicle design without sacrificing the imposed economic/energy requirements. It is shown that this integration can best be accomplished by emphasizing the front structure. Prominent in this emphasis is a treatment of pedestrian/cyclist protection consistent with vehicle crashworthiness. Continuous economic resources and energy trade-offs are foreseen in the RSV lifetime. The Highway population will be responding to these demands and, hence, will be in a transient over that lifetime and beyond (especially with respect to the mix of vehicles by weight). Recognition of the implications of this transition is vital to the continuing RSV program. The suggested 3000 lb. RSV family car occupies the middle ground--changing its relative designation from "small car" at its introduction to "large car" as the mix changes between now and 1990. Lifetime vehicle costs are comparable to those of current compact cars. Volume II: B 9876, Volume III: B 9866, Volume IV: B 9797.
Abstract