U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Vehicle Technologies Program
Fact #22: March 11, 1997
Most Valuable Vehicle Safety Attribute for Next Purchase
A recent survey of a national sample audience polled consumers on what vehicle attribue would be most valuable to them in terms of safety in their next vehicle purchase. The category of air bags received the most responses — 28% of respondents. Next in terms of number of responses were brakes (generally anti-lock brake system or high quality brake systems); seatbelt system; weight/frame strength; and size. All of these categories received less than half of total responses as air bags.
Note: Question text was "In purchasing your next vehicle, what vehicle attribute will you value MOST in terms of safety?" Supporting Information
Most Valuable Vehicle Safety Attribute for Next Purchase
| Safety Attribute |
Percent of Respondents |
| Airbags |
28% |
| Brakes (Antilock) |
13% |
| Seatbelt System
| 11% |
| Weight/Strong Frame
| 10% |
| Size (Large)
| 7% |
|
Source: Opinion Research Corporation Study #70603, performed for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory on January 16, 1997. |
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