News Release: 23rd February 2007

4X4S AND MPVS ARE SAFER FOR DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS, SAYS INDEPENDENT REPORT

• Drivers of 4x4s / MPVs five times less likely to hit a crash barrier than those in other types of car
• 4x4 / MPV occupants are less likely to be killed or seriously injured in an accident. Occupants are also more likely to be uninjured
• SUVs 'under-represented in accidents on unclassified roads'

A quick glance through TRL's report on roadside safety barriers and 4x4s and MPVs shows a very different picture to that painted in many of today's press reports. The authors reviewed National Accident Statistics and DVLA data and conclude that drivers and passengers of 4x4s and MPVs are less likely to be killed or seriously injured than those in other types of car.

TRL's research also shows that 4x4s and MPVs are involved in fewer impacts with crash barriers. Just two per cent of strikes involve 4x4s / MPVs. But on Britain's roads these vehicles make up 10.1 per cent of the total fleet1. That means 4x4s and MPVs are five times less likely to be involved in this type of collision.

SMMT says this is probably because more of these vehicles are fitted with accident avoidance technology like ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) to prevent skidding and loss of control. The huge investment in 'active safety' systems like ESP, as well as anti-rollover technology, assisted braking and lane departure warning systems, is saving lives every day.

TRL's findings follow a Department for Transport report published in October last year. This examined 2004 accident data and revealed that occupants in a 4x4 / SUV were around half as likely to be killed or seriously injured in a two-car impact as those in other types of car.

While this report is no longer available to download from the DfT web site, copies can be requested from the DfT on +44 (0)20 7944 6395 or e-mail: roadacc.stats@dft.gsi.gov.uk . SMMT also has a hard copy.

'We need to reassure owners who have read reports in today's papers', said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan. 'Researchers at TRL have demonstrated that drivers of 4x4s and MPVs are less likely to be involved in collisions with safety barriers and that occupants are less likely to be killed or seriously injured in all types of accident.'

Note to editors:
Total GB car fleet, 30,378,000 cars
Total MPVs/4x4s, 3,080,000
MPV/4x4s, 10.1% of total car fleet

So, perhaps 4x4s not good for the environment, but a LOT safer for drivers, pedestrians and other road users! Are you listening Ken???

thats why i drive one, it makes me safer  some of my Previous cars
--------------------------------
P38 Range Rover Autobiography
RRS 2.7 HSE Silver
RRS TDV8 HSE silver
FFRR Vogue black
Disco3 HSE silver
RRS 2.7 HSE silver
RRS 3.0 HSE BALTI BLUE
______________________________
current vehicles
RRS 3.0 L494 Autobiography
Audi R8 V10 Spyder
AC Cobra
Landrover Defender 90
Landrover Defender 110
Suzuki Jimney

ENVOY wrote:

thats why i drive one, it makes me safer

We're being penalised for being sensible and safe? Not right is it!

Brian Mason wrote:

ENVOY wrote:

thats why i drive one, it makes me safer

We're being penalised for being sensible and safe? Not right is it!

We should be gratefull that we contribute more to our wonderfull government that makes this country what it is  some of my Previous cars
--------------------------------
P38 Range Rover Autobiography
RRS 2.7 HSE Silver
RRS TDV8 HSE silver
FFRR Vogue black
Disco3 HSE silver
RRS 2.7 HSE silver
RRS 3.0 HSE BALTI BLUE
______________________________
current vehicles
RRS 3.0 L494 Autobiography
Audi R8 V10 Spyder
AC Cobra
Landrover Defender 90
Landrover Defender 110
Suzuki Jimney

ENVOY wrote:

Brian Mason wrote:

ENVOY wrote:

thats why i drive one, it makes me safer

We're being penalised for being sensible and safe? Not right is it!

We should be gratefull that we contribute more to our wonderfull government that makes this country what it is

Yes, somebody has got to pay to house the east european pikeys and third world rubbish.., AND IT'S US!!!!