Recent Trends in Van and Small Truck Safety

The dramatic increase in the use of pickup trucks and vans over the past few years raises some questions about the performance of these vehicles with regard to safety. This study, using data mainly from the Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS), indicates that these vehicles are not demonstrably less safe than are passenger cars. There remain, however, some unresolved issues with regard to the patterns of use and the degree of protection that these vehicles offer their occupants.