The Rise of SUVs: A Growing Health Concern
If you live in the UK, you may have noticed the increasing number of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) on the roads. In fact, these vehicles accounted for a significant 63 per cent of new car sales in the UK last year, a sharp rise from 12 per cent in 2010.
Globally, SUVs make up about 48 per cent of new car sales and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. As cars continue to grow in size, it poses a problem for public health. Researchers working on the correlation between transportation and health are now calling for action to address the surge in sales of these large vehicles.
The health risks associated with cars, particularly SUVs, include road danger, pollution, and a decrease in physical activity due to a preference for driving over walking or cycling. Larger and heavier cars exacerbate all these risks.
Studies have shown that larger cars, such as SUVs, pose a greater risk to pedestrians and cyclists in the event of a collision. The design of SUVs, with their taller and blunter fronts, increases the likelihood of fatal outcomes for individuals outside the vehicle. Research indicates that adults are 44 per cent more likely to die if hit by an SUV compared to a standard car.
Furthermore, the growing width of cars, known as “carspreading,” is limiting road space for alternative modes of transportation like cycling and walking. This shift towards larger vehicles not only compromises road safety but also hinders the potential health benefits of active commuting.
Moreover, the increase in size of cars contributes to higher levels of air pollution. While the transition to electric cars is a positive step in reducing exhaust emissions, SUVs, even when electric, generate significant pollution from tire and brake particles due to their weight. This diminishes the air quality benefits typically associated with electric vehicles.
To address the proliferation of large, hazardous, high-emission SUVs, suggestions have been put forth by experts. Implementing clean-air zones in urban areas and adjusting vehicle taxes to incentivize smaller cars are among the proposed solutions. Regulatory measures, such as charging owners of SUVs more for parking permits, have been adopted by some cities to discourage the use of oversized vehicles.
While acknowledging the necessity of larger vehicles for certain individuals, it is crucial to raise awareness about the health risks associated with SUVs and encourage more sustainable transportation choices. Governments play a key role in aligning the costs of these vehicles with their societal impacts in terms of road safety and pollution.
Anthony Laverty is a researcher at the School of Public Health at Imperial College London
