How do you measure the impact of vehicle safety on fuel efficiency?

1 Crash tests

One of the most direct and reliable ways to measure the impact of vehicle safety on fuel efficiency is to conduct crash tests on different models and configurations of vehicles. Crash tests simulate real-world scenarios of collisions, such as frontal, side, rear and rollover impacts, and measure the extent of damage, deformation and injury to the vehicle and its occupants. By comparing the results of crash tests, engineers can evaluate how different safety features, such as airbags, seat belts, crumple zones, bumpers, frames and materials, affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, as well as its crashworthiness. For example, a heavier or stiffer vehicle may have better protection in a crash, but lower fuel economy, while a lighter or more aerodynamic vehicle may have higher fuel economy, but lower protection in a crash.

2 Computer simulations

Another way to measure the impact of vehicle safety on fuel efficiency is to use computer simulations that model the physics and dynamics of the vehicle and its components. Computer simulations can replicate the behavior and response of the vehicle under various conditions, such as speed, load, terrain, weather and traffic. By changing the parameters and variables of the simulation, engineers can analyze how different safety features, such as anti-lock braking systems, traction control systems, electronic stability control systems and adaptive cruise control systems, affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, as well as its handling and stability. For example, a vehicle with more advanced safety systems may have better control and avoidance in a hazardous situation, but higher fuel consumption, while a vehicle with less advanced safety systems may have lower fuel consumption, but higher risk of losing control and crashing.

3 Field trials

A third way to measure the impact of vehicle safety on fuel efficiency is to conduct field trials that collect data from real-world driving situations. Field trials involve equipping vehicles with sensors, cameras and recorders that monitor and measure various aspects of the vehicle and its environment, such as speed, acceleration, braking, steering, fuel consumption, emissions, road conditions, weather conditions and driver behavior. By analyzing the data from field trials, engineers can assess how different safety features, such as lane departure warning systems, blind spot detection systems, forward collision warning systems and automatic emergency braking systems, affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, as well as its safety and comfort. For example, a vehicle with more active safety systems may have lower fuel efficiency, but higher safety and comfort, while a vehicle with less active safety systems may have higher fuel efficiency, but lower safety and comfort.

4 Life cycle analysis

A fourth way to measure the impact of vehicle safety on fuel efficiency is to use life cycle analysis that evaluates the environmental and economic impacts of the vehicle throughout its life span. Life cycle analysis considers the inputs and outputs of the vehicle from its production, use and disposal, such as materials, energy, water, waste, emissions and costs. By comparing the life cycle analysis of different vehicles, engineers can determine how different safety features, such as recyclable or biodegradable materials, hybrid or electric engines, regenerative braking systems and intelligent transportation systems, affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, as well as its environmental and economic sustainability. For example, a vehicle with more eco-friendly safety features may have higher fuel efficiency, but higher initial costs, while a vehicle with less eco-friendly safety features may have lower fuel efficiency, but lower initial costs.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?