Citation

Malczyk A, Muller G, Gehlert T. Proc. IRCOBI 2012; 40: 91-102.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, International Research Council on Biomechanics of Injury)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Like in many other western countries, the number of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in Germany is increasing. This study investigated their involvement in injury crashes based on national statistics and data from liability insurers. In addition, SUV driver attitude and self-reported driving behavior was determined in two surveys. Almost parallel to the growth of the SUV share in the car fleet, their accident involvement has increased. The SUV driver population is less accident-prone than that of conventional cars, but SUVs have a higher risk exposure due to higher annual mileage. SUVs are underrepresented in single-vehicle accidents, but demonstrate a threat to occupants of passenger cars in two-vehicle crashes. The lack of compatibility becomes evident particularly in frontal collisions. This must be attributed not only to the larger mass, but also to the raised front structure and younger vehicle age of SUVs. Pedestrians who were struck by SUVs did not demonstrate a significantly higher injury risk than in accidents with conventional cars.