Are SUVs safer than small cars?

With stricter laws in place, we should consider ourselves lucky as there are various safer family car options to choose from.

However, one thing we should all be aware of is that the number of cars on the road is also increasing every year.

This means that the accident rate is unlikely to decrease suddenly.

The safety debate between cars and SUVs occasionally fills the spaces of Facebook groups, forums, and WhatsApp.

Some claim that larger cars have better safety levels.

This claim is further reinforced by official data where the driver fatality rate is highest among small vehicles compared to larger vehicles.

From a physics standpoint, larger vehicles have higher momentum compared to lighter vehicles.

So, when a collision occurs between vehicles of different sizes, it is certain that the smaller vehicle will experience a more severe impact when both vehicles suddenly come to a stop.

Therefore, are SUVs and other large vehicles such as pickup trucks much safer than small cars?

Not if you consider the typical feature present in any SUV/pickup truck, which is the high ground clearance.

Due to this feature, most SUVs and pickup trucks have a higher center of gravity and are more at risk of being involved in accidents due to weather conditions or rollovers.

Accidents involving SUVs and pickup trucks driven at high speeds also frequently occur, as some drivers do not understand the limits and constraints of vehicles with high ground clearance.

Just because you drive a taller vehicle, your ego should not rise equally high, completely disregarding the safety of other road users.

Lastly, regardless of the vehicle you drive, make sure it is in good condition and regularly maintained.

Also, ensure that you are aware of your own health condition and take a break if you feel fatigued while driving.