Numbers tell technology's impact

摘要

An estimated 328,551 lives were saved from 1960 through 2002 because of fed-eral vehicle safety standards related to passenger cars and light trucks (i.e., pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles, full-size vans, and minivans), according to a recent report from NHTSA (U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The number has grown steadily over the years, NHTSA said, and owes to technologies as simple as the lap belt and as complex as electronic stability control systems. Only 115 lives were saved in 1960; an estimated 24,561 lives were saved in 2002. Seatbelt usage accounted for about 60% of the 24,561 lives saved in 2002. Energy-absorbing steering columns and frontal airbags each accounted for about 2500 lives saved in 2002. NHTSA was not able to estimate the number of injuries prevented.