The present analysis is concerned with the inspection of motor vehicles for accident-causing defects. It is based upon surveys which were carried out by technical experts of the Deutscher Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein DEKRA e. V. during the years between 1966 and 1969 on assignment from police officials.
Classification is made according to the type of vehicle, manufacturer, age of the vehicle, number and type of deficiencies identified as well as responsibility for the accident-causing defects.
In most categories, the analysis is limited to passenger and combination vehicles, although - to the extent that any assertions can be supported - consideration is also given to other types of vehicles (trucks, trailers, buses, other types of vehicles).
A comparison with the registration figures in the Federal Republic of Germany, including West Berlin, emphasizes the conclusions to be drawn from this examination.
Statistical development of these principles, along with the corresponding ramifications, clearly points out the fact that a large number of the accidents caused by technical deficiencies can be eliminated through appropriate vehicle supervision.
In particular, the type of defects (brakes, tires) and the age of the vehicle (over five years) provide reference points on where to place the emphasis in supervision or, as the case may be, on what the necessary time intervals are for the inspection of a motor vehicle.
A break-down according to responsibility for the defects identified shows that, apparently, the normal motor vehicle owner is not in a position to maintain his vehicle in a continuous state of driving and operational safety.
Responsibility on the part of workshops and the manufacturers takes a second seat when compared with the responsibility of the owner.