Tougher Side Impact Crash Standards Could Save 700 to 1,000 Lives Every Year

The Cost of Less Expensive Cars Would No Doubt Go Up with Mandatory Side-Impact Airbags

Just how auto manufacturers can manage to stay profitable in today's market is anyone's guess. With 267 models available in the U.S., and at least as many in Canada, the

Even with all the challenges automakers face just trying to remain profitable, all are currently producing the most efficient and safest cars to date. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

competition for the latest and greatest designs and features is fierce. Add to that the need to satisfy government mandated fuel consumption, emissions and safety standards and it's no wonder automaker CEOs rightly earn some of the highest wages in the country.

Of course, the end result are the most efficient and safest new cars, light trucks and sport utility vehicles to ever roll on four wheels, not only benefiting driver and passengers but even taking into consideration potential pedestrian injuries.

The latest proposal by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to increase tolerances for side impact crash standards. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Administration (NHTSA), however, is designed to protect those inside the vehicle. The organization wants to increase tolerances for side impact crash standards in an attempt to save what it considers an estimated 700 to 1,000 lives per year, while preventing many more injuries, particularly caused to the head.

"This change in the way new vehicles are tested would take our safety program to a new level and have a dramatic, positive effect on traffic-related fatalities," commented U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta.