The proliferation of SUVs poses significant risks to health and the environment, with taller vehicles increasing the likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities. Higher parking fees and reforms to vehicle tax are proposed as measures to curb sales and reduce air pollution.
A new analysis of existing studies found that pedestrians and cyclists hit by SUVs or light trucks are more likely to suffer fatal injuries. The likelihood is higher among children, with a child hit by an SUV/LTV being 82% more likely to be killed than a child hit by a passenger car.
Researchers found that passenger car drivers are nearly 10 times more likely to die in head-on crashes with SUVs, even if the SUV has a better safety rating. The study also showed that passengers in smaller vehicles face higher death rates in frontal crashes.
Researchers found that consumers prefer utilitarian products over hedonic ones when given a choice, as they are less likely to cause guilt. This is because hedonic products are perceived as discretionary, while utilitarian products are seen as necessary, leading to a preference for the latter.