MASS RATIO AND RELATIVE DRIVER FATALITY RISK IN TWO-VEHICLE CRASHES

摘要: The relative risk, R, of a driver fatality in the lighter two cars compared to risk heavier is determined as function ratio, mu, mass that lighter, using Fatal Accident Reporting System data for 1975-1989. In all many cases investigated, fitted well functional relationship R = A mu u. When differ only mass, 1; if they another dichotomous characteristic, such old new model years, estimates influence this other characteristic when masses are equal. results show transfers car by 1%, driver's two-car crash involved increases between 2.7% and 4.3%, specific value depending on factors, year. one crashes head-on into side equal side-impacted frontally impacted 4.5 +/- 0.6 times great right-side impacts 10.1 1.7 left-side impacts. Extending analysis vehicles than provides empirical evidence previously stated "laws" apply systematically over wide spectrum vehicles, from mopeds, through motorcycles, small cars, large trucks trucks. These laws that, factors equal, (1) vehicle, less road users, (2) its occupants.