Citation

Davis RA. Br. Med. J. BMJ 2005; 331(7522): 967.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmj.331.7522.967-b

PMID

16239711

PMCID

PMC1261240

Abstract

Simms and O'Neill point out the problems posed by a particular class of private motor vehicles (sports utility vehicles, SUVs) to one group of other road users. The danger posed by SUVs is simply a more extreme version of the problems posed by all motor vehicles to all other road users, not just elderly pedestrians. The fundamental reason for a higher involvement of SUVs in pedestrian and other road user road traffic accidents is that SUV drivers feel better protected in their vehicle than in smaller motor vehicles. SUVs are frequently advertised as being "safer" than smaller vehicles and give the impression of crashworthiness to potential buyers irrespective of any advertising campaigns.