Are SUV's as safe as they appear?
The United States leads the world not only in
the number of inefficient vehicles such as large SUVs but also in the largest
amount of retail space per person. Are big cars actually safer than smaller
ones? In the past it was true that small cars where safer, but since, car
security technologies have evolved, it isn’t as true as it was before. Speaking
of technologies, are big cars still as thirsty as they where, is the fuel
economy worthwhile going with a compact car? This essay will explain why big
cars aren’t as good as they where.
Lots of big car owners, claim their SUVs or
pick-ups for there safety. But in fact, there isn’t much difference. According
to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are more people that die
in small pick-ups than in small cars. Ninety-six children, aged between one and
three years old, die every in small car, for one million registered accidents,
compared to one hundred and four, aged between one and three years old, die
every in small car, for one million registered accidents. Before, bigger meant
stronger and safer, but technologies related to the structure of cars have
substantially evolved since the last few years, The Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety recently conducted a crash test between a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
and a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air. The test shows how safety technology has made
cars more crashworthy. “Crumple zones and other energy-absorbing features did
not also decades away. But even the older car's structure proves weak compared
with the modern model.” (IIHS, December 2011). Small cars are the segment that
benefits the most of these technologies, because the weaknesses are reduced and
offer better strength. So we can conclude that big cars aren’t as safe as they
look big.
