What's your association with the IIHS?

I like the blog's use of IIHS crash test info, but not the use of death rates because that assumes there is an even distribution of the types of drivers across all cars (face it, some drivers drive a lot safer than others, and I really doubt there is zero correlation between these drivers and the types of cars they choose to purchase).

 

I like the blog's use of IIHS crash test info, but not the use of death rates because that assumes there is an even distribution of the types of drivers across all cars (face it, some drivers drive a lot safer than others, and I really doubt there is zero correlation between these drivers and the types of cars they choose to purchase).

.
I agree that drivers' skills make a huge difference... as do road conditions, heavy traffic, weather, areas of the country ... they all have an impact. But the data we have, is the data we have .... and its distributed as good as it can be. We can wish that it were better (suited us better). But it is what it is. I suspect that each brand gets a fair share of all the bad influences.
.
To me its like watching a pro football team doing their Tuesday and Thursday practice sessions .... and judging them based on that. And refusing to watch them actually play on Sunday ... because there might be some bad umpire calls, or the sun might get in our QB's eyes, or our guys might get the wind against them too much .... or a host of other "uncontrollables".
.
I'm sorry folks! If you want to measure safety ... there is only one game that counts. Deaths and injuries on the highway. Its like the Sunday game ... only it really counts.

 

I've got no association with them; I just picked that username because I was browsing the IIHS website before I googled Volvos and got to Swedespeed.

 

That, my friend, is "analysis paralysis" ... confusion caused by inapplicable data. Of course, there are observable variables that can cause biased outcomes. And you have done a great job of listed a few....did I not cover them also?. You may suggest, but I bet you have no data to prove, that Volvo got a unfair distribution of some of these bad influences.
.
Do you have data that indicates Volvo got more of ....the bad states?, the bad age and gender groups?, the bad Urban/Rural settings? ... if so, you should share same with IIHS...they love good data.
.
.... is there perhaps something else going on? Are Volvo drivers: more reckless?, more inebriated?, more inept?, more stupid?, .... just asking. Just wondering how anyone ever dies in such a super safe automobile.

 

That, my friend, is "analysis paralysis" ... confusion caused by inapplicable data. Of course, there are observable variables that can cause biased outcomes. And you have done a great job of listed a few....did I not cover them also?. You may suggest, but I bet you have no data to prove, that Volvo got a unfair distribution of some of these bad influences.

Of course. It is pretty much unknowable to know which cars get the good side of the distribution and which get the bad side. Thus these statistics are useful at best just for an academic exercise, rather than making a safe vehicle buying decision. Which is my point.

 

Wow. Glad you made it OK. Looks like a good day to stay inside.