06-27-2014, 05:04 PM
I disagree that chassis layout doesn't effect safety.
However, I think I might be looking at it from a different angle than you.
Chassis layout absolutely doesn't effect crash survivability, however, 4wd or awd (or choice of suspension for that matter) effects safety in the sense that it reduces the risk of an accident in the first place via greatly reduced threat of loss of traction in adverse conditions. The overall effect on a safety rating would be small but I agree with freeman that it should be there.
However, I think I might be looking at it from a different angle than you.
Chassis layout absolutely doesn't effect crash survivability, however, 4wd or awd (or choice of suspension for that matter) effects safety in the sense that it reduces the risk of an accident in the first place via greatly reduced threat of loss of traction in adverse conditions. The overall effect on a safety rating would be small but I agree with freeman that it should be there.