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Auto Efficiency: The Mileage vs. Safety Debate

Since Americans first debated government regulation of the fuel efficiency of passenger cars, it's always come down to safety vs. efficiency: lighter cars get better mileage, the conventional wisdom goes -- but they're not as safe as heavier cars.

Thirty years after that debate began in the energy crisis of the 1970s, does the argument still hold water?

Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Kathleen Schalch
Kathleen Schalch is a general assignment reporter on NPR's national desk. Her coverage can be heard on NPR's award-winning newsmagazines Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition.