Tracker, Corvette Fare Poorly In Study

The Geo Tracker and the Chevrolet Corvette have the highest driver death rates among 1989-93 passenger vehicles - nearly three times the average, according to a study funded by the auto insurance industry.

The study, based on statistics from the federal government’s Fatal Accident Reporting System, said the lowest death rates during the period studied, 1990 to 1994, were in larger cars and vans.

Among the 10 vehicles with the highest rates, nine were small. At the other end of the index, all 10 vehicles with the lowest rates were large or midsize.

The midsize Volvo 240 and Saab 9000, both made in Sweden, had the lowest rates.

Other factors besides size also contribute to death rates, including air bags, driver habits and vehicle design, the study said.