Drivers of 4x4’s are less likely to be involved in crashes than any other type of motorist, but when they are involved in an incident the injuries inflicted are more serious.
The latest research by TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) and commissioned by Transport for London (TfL), flies in the face of previous studies that have suggested that 4x4’s cause more crashes because their drivers feel protected and are therefore more likely to take risks. I duly concur and proof of the pudding is that the TRL study found the collision rate for 4x4’s was 30% lower than that for other cars. This is because drivers in a 4x4 are higher up and react to hazards further down the road because they see them sooner. Around 70% of them have active safety systems compared to up to 40% of cars. However, a TfL spokesman said the study highlighted that pedestrians, in particular children, motorcyclists and occupants of small cars, were significantly more likely to be killed or seriously injured when in a crash with a large 4x4.
The report found that for those hit by a large 4x4 there was a 26% chance of injuries, compared with a 22% chance when hit by a smaller off-roader. When hit by an ‘ordinary car’, the rate of injury was 21%.
Oh, a Catch 22 situation. But is it with only a 5 % margin?