Fears for safety around SUVs and road traffic accidents

Concerns are rising about the danger to pedestrians from SUVs in the event of a road traffic accident.

SUVs (short for sports utility vehicles) are an increasingly popular type of car, accounting for almost half of new vehicle registrations in Europe during 2021.

However, research has shown that their larger-than-average height, weight and size means they are more likely than other car types to cause serious injuries to pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users.

At Novum Law, we support victims of road traffic accidents. We know the devastating, life-changing effects that can be caused, including broken bones, head and brain injuries, nerve damage, spinal injuries and, in the saddest cases, fatal injuries.

Our specialist lawyers understand the need for compensation and justice for people involved in road accidents and their loved ones. However, although we will always do our best to ensure that road accident victims’ lives can be made better, we know that most wish their accident had never happened.

Why are SUVs more dangerous?

There are several reasons SUVs are more dangerous than smaller cars.

The height of an SUV means that if a driver hits a pedestrian, the impact is more likely to be around the upper body and head, causing injuries with a lower survival rate than lower-body or leg injuries. It also means the impact of the car is around the body’s centre of gravity, leading to a greater chance that someone will be knocked down and driven over.

Research has also shown that SUVs are around 8 times more dangerous to children who are cycling or walking. In SUVs, the driver is typically seated higher up. This has prompted concerns about a rise in injuries to children, whose smaller size means they are potentially less visible in front of a car.

Compensation after an SUV accident

Anna Cole is a Director of Novum Law and specialist personal injury solicitor in our Swindon team. She has over 25 years’ experience supporting victims of serious road traffic accidents and their loved ones and says:

“SUVs are certainly trendy at the moment, but it’s incredibly worrying to see the damage they can do.

“According to statistics from the road safety charity Brake, 5 people die on Britain’s roads every day. The last thing we need is more dangers caused by the very nature of a car’s design, leading to more serious injuries or even fatalities.

“If you have been injured in an SUV accident that was not your fault, we want to remind you that support is available. We urge you to speak to a specialist personal injury law firm such as ourselves as soon as possible – and don’t leave it too late, as you typically have 3 years to make a claim.

“Our expert team at Novum Law is here for road accident victims. You are not alone: speak to us today.”

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a road traffic accident, you may be able to claim compensation to cover the pain and suffering you have experienced, as well as the costs of care, rehabilitation and lost earnings.

Novum Law can help you on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us on 0800 884 0777, email us at info@novumlaw.com, or fill out our online enquiry form to arrange a free, no-obligations chat with a legal expert.