THE 'FUNNY SPARE:' AN EXAMINATION OF RISKS AND BENEFITS

摘要

Since their introduction more than two decades ago, "funny spares," small "compact" spare tires, have replaced conventional tires in the trunks of most automobiles now sold in the United States. This changeover accelerated during the late 1970s and early 1980s, driven by CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards requiring increased miles per gallon, which in turn led to reductions in passenger car size and weight. The smaller spare is also lighter. The most popular type of small spare was the "T-type." Using accident data from the state of North Carolina for 12 years (1979-1990) this study examines the accident risk associated with T-type compact spare tires. Using data on corporate fuel economy, the fuel savings accruing from the use of compact spare tires in passenger cars is estimated.