Two independent trends in the developed world are likely to reverse
some of the hard won improvements that have been made in road safety. One
is the ageing of the population; the other the increase in the use of
sports utility vehicles (SUVs, high performance four wheel drive cars
capable of off-road driving). (1, 2)
Vehicle incompatibility has been identified as an important influence
in the outcomes of modern motor vehicle crashes. Importantly safety
designs that were effective ten or fifteen years ago are not adequate in
today’s incompatible vehicle collisions. (3, 4)
In the United States 40% of new vehicles purchased are classified as
light trucks or vans (many of which are SUVs). Preference to drive a SUV
is shaped not only by individual choice but also by environmental level
influences including economic and social factors. (2,4) SUVs are
frequently advertised as being “safer” than smaller vehicles, and give the
impression of crashworthiness to potential buyers irrespective of any
advertising campaigns.
Popular misbelieve that SUV has capability of providing the extra
protection ability in crashes is frequently reinforced by popular culture
and for this reason; change of consumers buying pattern or promotion of
safe driving practices among SUV drivers especially when transporting kids
may not be achieved by health promotion and education strategies alone.
Popular culture itself can also be a worthwhile target for interventions.
We need a strict code of practice for motor vehicle advertising in North
America where SUV pandemic is growing. It should be developed, stating
that advertisements for motor vehicles should not portray any form of
occupant protection abilities unrealistically. Informing consumers of the
false protection to its occupants from SUVs may represent a useful first
step in raising public awareness. We need to warn about the increasing
death and injury from sports utility vehicles and consumers should be
warned of potential risk to child occupants through notices on these
vehicles.
We could also tackle the perception that occupants of SUVs are safer
in crashes, as studies indicate higher death rates and a greater chance of
roll-over in SUVs than conventional cars. It is in fact many families who
buy these vehicles, unaware of their increased potential dangers over a
regular car. The fundamental reason for a higher involvement of SUVs in
pedestrian and other road user Road Traffic crashes is that SUV drivers
feel better protected in their vehicle than in smaller motor vehicles. (5)
REFERENCES
(1). Simms C, O'Neill D. Sports utility vehicles and older
pedestrians. BMJ 2005; 331: 787-8.
(2). Desapriya, E.B., Pike, I., Sports utility vehicles and older
pedestrians-Achieving compatibility in motor vehicle crashes BMJ
2005;331:966-967.
(3). Rowe, S.A., Sochor, M.S., Staples, K.S., Wahl, W.L., Wang S.C.,
Pelvic ring fractures: implications of vehicle design, crash type, and
occupant characteristics. Surgery 2004; 136: 842-7
(4). Desapriya EB, Chipman M, Joshi P, Pike I. The risk of injury and
vehicle damage in vehicle mismatched crashes. Injury Control Safety
Promotion 2005; 12: 191-2
(5). Desapriya, E.B., Pike, I., Kinney, J., The risk of injury and
vehicle damage severity in vehicle mismatched side impact crashes in
British Columbia. IATSS Research 2005; 29:60-66
Conflict of Interest:
None declared
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