SUVs have been the best-selling category of cars for some time in the U.S. They have also grown in size considerably from the original vehicles in this category.
One of the main reasons that so many people have opted for an SUV is that the manufacturers claim they bring increased safety. That has particular appeal to parents who want to protect their little ones, as well as many other drivers who want to increase the chances they would survive a serious collision
They increase the overall danger
There is some safety advantage to being in a large car with more protection built in. But the safety disadvantages it brings to road users as a whole make that tough to justify. Researchers have worked to put numbers on the increased threat SUVs pose. They found that:
- A pedestrian or cyclist is 44% more likely to be killed if they’re struck by an SUV rather than a passenger car.
- A child struck by an SUV is 82% more likely to be killed than a child struck by a passenger car.
While plenty of people never get on a bicycle, everyone is a pedestrian at some point in their week — even if it is just when walking a few yards from where they parked their vehicle across to the entrance to a building. Even low-speed parking lot accidents can leave people with serious injuries, especially when a big vehicle is involved.
SUV sales do not seem like dropping any time soon, so it’s important to remember that if someone in an SUV, or any other vehicle, does injure you, seeking help to claim compensation could be wise.