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Accident Reconstruction News Article National Study Shows Most
Small Cars Are No Match for SUVs in Crash Situations SEATTLE, March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- After reviewing a new study confirming small cars are no match for larger sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), Safeco today urged SUV drivers to understand their risks and take additional precautions to keep themselves and others safe on the road. A national study released today by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that most small cars are not well-equipped to withstand a side-impact crash with an SUV. IIHS' crash test simulated the impact of an SUV hitting 16 different small cars. Fourteen out of the 16 models tested rated "poor," two were "acceptable," and none rated "good." "We see more large vehicles on the roads than ever before, so this is a growing concern -- and not just for those who drive small cars," said Safeco President Mike LaRocco, an active member of the IIHS board of directors. "Many people buy SUVs to feel safe on the road. But larger vehicles aren't immune to risks," he said. "As this study points out, if you drive an SUV, you can cause greater damage to other cars. This is becoming a factor in how much drivers of larger vehicles pay for insurance." In Washington, at least one out of seven passenger cars on the road is an SUV, according to a 2002 newspaper survey of the state Department of Licensing database. To stay safe on the road, SUV drivers should remember: -- SUVs handle like trucks, not cars, so avoid abrupt maneuvers. -- Heavier vehicles often take longer to slow down and stop, so adjust driving distances. -- Unbalanced SUVs are more prone to rollovers, so make sure cargo loads are appropriate and check tire pressure monthly. More tips on safe driving are available online. See Safeco's Consumer Tips page or the new national consumer educational campaign for SUV drivers led by state consumer protection agencies. About Safeco and IIHS Safeco, in business since 1923, is a Fortune 500 property and casualty insurance company based in Seattle. The company sells insurance to drivers, home owners, and small- and medium-sized business owners through a national network of independent agents and brokers. The company also is a prominent sponsor of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a non-profit organization that conducts auto safety test programs, research and public education campaigns. Source: Safeco ### |
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