When we think of large sport utility vehicles (SUV), we often associate them with safety and robustness, a common assumption being that bigger means safer. However, recent findings challenge this perception, indicating that large SUVs may not be as safe as many believe, for both the occupants and other road users.
How safe are drivers and passengers in SUVs?
Despite their sturdy appearance, large SUVs have shown concerning results in certain safety tests. According to a report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), some popular large SUVs struggled in updated crash tests. The results indicated that in certain types of collisions, large SUVs did not provide the level of protection one might expect given their size. These findings suggest that the assumption of inherent safety in all large SUVs might be misguided.
The structure of large SUVs and the way they absorb impact can vary, which means safety can differ significantly from one model to another. In some cases, the cabin integrity was compromised during crashes, which could lead to severe injuries for passengers. SUVs may also be more difficult to control in an emergency, making it difficult for drivers to avoid a car accident.
How much risk do SUVs pose to others?
The concerns with large SUVs extend beyond the safety of those inside the vehicle. The height and mass of large SUVs can result in more severe impacts in collisions with smaller vehicles. For vulnerable pedestrians and bicyclists, this can prove fatal, especially because taller SUVs are more likely to impact a pedestrian’s torso.
Additionally, the design of large SUVs often results in larger blind spots, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians or smaller vehicles nearby. This increases the risk of accidents, particularly in urban environments where interaction with pedestrians and smaller vehicles is more frequent.
Large SUVs may offer a sense of security and space, but these recent studies show that size alone does not guarantee safety. Being aware of these risks can help drivers of SUVs, other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians alike protect their safety on the road.