Industry News from Yes Insurance
27 June 2006 4x4 drivers receive backing
A recent report which suggested drivers of 4x4s are more likely to flout road laws has been criticised by parts of the auto industry.
The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has jumped to the defence of 4x4 owners after it was suggested they recklessly put other road users' lives at risk, reports website CarKeys.
The report, printed in the British Medical Journal, focused on three points in west London and monitored the habits of the drivers who passed through them.
It reported that drivers of 4x4s are more likely to use mobile phones while driving and often do not wear seatbelts.
The study is being criticised because the SMMT says it was too limited in its scope and assumptions should not be made concerning all 4x4 drivers, based on the actions of a mere fraction who live in west London.
"Our concern is that conclusions will be taken as read, simply because this is the British Medical Journal and the report has therefore generated media interest," said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan.
"While we welcome the fact that researchers have acknowledged 4x4s/SUVs as one of the safest cars for occupants, they seem to have made a huge leap of logic about drivers. Surely it can't be good science to suggest that the safety benefits of driving a 4x4 makes people more complacent and therefore more likely to use their mobile phone illegally while driving?" he added.
The SMMT is launching an industry guide to safer driving in a bid to help keep our roads safe and reduce the number of car insurance claims.
The guide, entitled Drive Green, Drive Safely, encourages all drivers to adhere to the rules of the road.
© Adfero Ltd
The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has jumped to the defence of 4x4 owners after it was suggested they recklessly put other road users' lives at risk, reports website CarKeys.
The report, printed in the British Medical Journal, focused on three points in west London and monitored the habits of the drivers who passed through them.
It reported that drivers of 4x4s are more likely to use mobile phones while driving and often do not wear seatbelts.
The study is being criticised because the SMMT says it was too limited in its scope and assumptions should not be made concerning all 4x4 drivers, based on the actions of a mere fraction who live in west London.
"Our concern is that conclusions will be taken as read, simply because this is the British Medical Journal and the report has therefore generated media interest," said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan.
"While we welcome the fact that researchers have acknowledged 4x4s/SUVs as one of the safest cars for occupants, they seem to have made a huge leap of logic about drivers. Surely it can't be good science to suggest that the safety benefits of driving a 4x4 makes people more complacent and therefore more likely to use their mobile phone illegally while driving?" he added.
The SMMT is launching an industry guide to safer driving in a bid to help keep our roads safe and reduce the number of car insurance claims.
The guide, entitled Drive Green, Drive Safely, encourages all drivers to adhere to the rules of the road.
© Adfero Ltd
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