Whether you’re planning to buy a car or want to learn something interesting, here’s a good read for you. In this article, I will settle a debate on which is the safer vehicle – an SUV or Sedan?
SUV vs. sedan: which is safer
These two types of vehicles are the most popular passenger vehicles nowadays owing to their respective features and usability. In the U.S., SUVs and pickups account the 70% of the market in 2019, edging the other car types.
For most car buyers, the immediate indicator regarding a car’s safeness is its crash-test results. Well, it is a useful reference, though it shouldn’t be the only aspect that should be considered.
Crash tests usually utilize the same car size in pitting one against the other, but accidents do not always involve liked-size cars. Moreover, when we talk about safety, the vehicle’s built, or toughness is not the only consideration to take.What is the safer vehicle?
Safety is relative depending on whose side you come from (you or surroundings). When we talk about vehicle safety, two aspects should be considered: crashworthiness and aggressivity.
Crashworthiness
When we talk about crashworthiness, it means the vehicle can protect the passengers from being killed or seriously injured when a crash happens. In this aspect, SUVs fare better than sedans if both on a head-on collision or when they get hard bumped to their surroundings. The reason? SUVs have a bigger and tougher built.
Aggressivity
Based on studies, the driver and passengers in SUVs are 50% more likely to survive in crashes than sedans. However, it is different if both SUVs will come to a head-on collision as the risk of fatality on both sides is much greater.
On the other hand, aggressivity is the risk of causing death or severe injury to opposing drivers and surrounding road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. In this aspect, because SUVs are bigger and tougher, they possess a higher risk of aggressivity than sedans. In accidents, SUVs have a deadlier impact on either its opposing car or other road users.
Performance in harsh conditions
SUVs are more capable of performing in harsh conditions than sedans. Because of its all-wheel-drive features, it can maneuver even in severe weather conditions or rough terrains. SUVs also have the edge in drivers’ visibility to the surroundings as it is built with higher ground clearance, and a wider windshield and back shield.
However, because SUVs are heavier and higher, they are inferior to sedans in terms of drivability. Also, SUVs had a higher risk of flipping over than sedans. Sedans are more comfortable to maneuver on sharp corners as well as vehicle parking.
Conclusion
Accidents happen anytime and anywhere. There are pros and cons in driving an SUV or sedan. If you are concerned about safety during head-on crashes, SUVs are better than sedans if both vehicles are involved. However, SUVs have a greater risk of flipping over compared to sedans.
To wrap up, safety is relative. In choosing your vehicle, consider the vehicle’s safety ratings, crash-test results, the terrain, and the type of driving you will be doing. If you’re socially conscious, also mind the lower carbon footprints of each vehicle. Nonetheless, overall SUVs are safer, they last longer, and provides more advantages than sedans as discussed above.
