The irreversible trend of increasing vehicle size, particularly that of SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles), poses risks to pedestrians and the environment. According to a new article published in the journal BMJ, the probability of an adult pedestrian fatality in a traffic accident involving an SUV increases by 44%, while this figure reaches 82% for children.
Experts note that increasingly high and sharp-shaped hoods cause severe injuries. For example, since 2010, the average hood height of new cars in Europe has increased by 7 cm, making accidents more lethal. Additionally, impaired visibility in large SUVs poses an extra threat to children.
Furthermore, SUVs also create environmental problems: they emit more carbon dioxide and, due to their increased weight, cause air pollution from harmful particles released by tire wear.
The article’s authors call on local and national authorities to adopt strict political measures to reverse this dangerous trend. Suggested solutions include: increasing parking fees for large vehicles (as happened in Paris and Cardiff) and reforming transport taxes (as, for instance, in the UK, taxes on large vehicles are the lowest in Europe), all of which would encourage the purchase of smaller cars.
Health professionals are urged to support these initiatives to ensure safety in urban spaces.
