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These Vehicles Have Killed Thousands

Thinking about buying a new vehicle but cannot make up your mind which make or model you want…or really need? Here’s some facts about road safety that highlights vehicles that have literally killed thousands, which might help you decide what vehicle is the right one to buy today.
Large SUVs Kill by Design

Traffic Related Deaths

While there has been a lot of discussion over the safety of electric vehicles that come with assisted driving and/or the so-claimed “full-self-driving” (FSD) features, let’s not forget that gas-powered vehicles still account for the greatest number of deaths…and it’s not just because the majority of vehicles on the road are gas-powered. Rather, a big chunk of traffic-related fatalities is directly attributable to vehicle design.

Related article: Consumer Reports Lists Vehicles That Come Standard with Automatic Emergency Braking

In other words: vehicles that have gotten too big for the public good.

That was the message in a recent Scotty Kilmer YouTube video where Scotty gets serious for a change and talks about how that honking big SUVs that weigh 5,000-6,000 pounds and ride significantly higher than all other vehicles are directly responsible for thousands of avoidable deaths.

Related article: Consumer Reports Lists Midsized SUV Results with New Crash Test

Facts About Bigger SUVs

While it likely comes as no surprise to most that bigger vehicles are more dangerous for the other guy in a smaller vehicle, there are some exceptions to this logic. But more importantly, automotive marketing should share some of the responsibility of SUV-generated traffic fatalities. Follow along with Scotty as he discusses how we got to where we are today in the most-sold (and most-dangerous) vehicle in the U.S. and why we should pause before deciding to buy bigger because we are told its better.

Related article: Best Cars for Teens Recommended by Consumer Reports

These Vehicles Have Killed Thousands (Don’t Be the Next One)

And finally…

For additional articles related to cars and safety, here are a few for your consideration:

• Toyota Safety Warning: Simple Steps to Find Out Why Your Toyota is So Noisy

• Consumer Reports New Car Winners and Losers for This Important Safety Feature

• The Gory Truth About Seat Belts from Consumer Reports and a Paramedic

Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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