Are SUVs as safe as manufacturers claim?

When someone buys an SUV, there is a good chance that safety expectations play a role in their choice. You only have to look at the marketing around these vehicles to see examples of how manufacturers want people to believe they are safer than the typical family car.

They promote the vehicle’s height as enabling you to see better and its bulkiness as protecting you and your family in the event of a crash.

Safety depends on whether you are inside an SUV or not

While it is true that an SUV can help keep those inside safer than they otherwise might be, manufacturers fail to mention the added danger these vehicles pose for anyone outside the car:

• The raised seating position and front end: These may give you a commanding view of the road, but they also make it harder to see what is close in front of you, especially if they are relatively low, such as a child or cyclist.
• The extra sturdy pillars: These are designed to stop the roof from caving in if you roll your vehicle but result in extra wide blind spots.
• The tank-like appearance: This may make you feel invincible, encouraging some drivers to take less care. If they hit something, they will do so with far more force than a smaller, lighter car, increasing the risk of severe injury or death for the other party.

There are many things to consider when choosing a vehicle, but it’s becoming clearer that SUVs are a growing threat to road safety, particularly for children, pedestrians and cyclists. If someone hits you while driving theirs, learning more about your legal options will be vitally important.

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