Mastodawn

Bob Aug 29, 2023

“These child killers have no place in our cities.”

—A study published in the Journal of Safety Research last year found that children were eight times more likely to die when struck by an SUV than those struck by a passenger car.

—Altogether, SUVs/pickups now account for 38% of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in the US

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/aug/26/more-than-150-car-models-too-big-for-regular-uk-parking-spaces

More than 150 car models too big for regular UK parking spaces

Fears over safety as analysis by Which? shows ‘autobesity’ epidemic means cars getting wider and longer

The Guardian

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𝚃𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚜 𝙶𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚎 🚇Aug 28, 2023

Not sure about the "autobesity" label here, Guardian. Confounds two issues, and alienates those who, for a variety of reasons, struggle with their weight.

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Alex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UK Aug 28, 2023

@straphanger I've seen "carflation" used elsewhere, which is probably better and covers the rise in size even with superminis (for example the VW Polo Typ AW (sold since 2018) is considerably wider and slightly longer than the 6C (I presume this is to provide more interior room, as its over and above what has been added to the Polo over the 48+ years its been in production for safety reasons).

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TheAnymouseProphet Aug 28, 2023

@straphanger
Also, their bright LED headlights blind oncoming traffic and thus the lift kits should not be legal for street use.

Well, child safety is reason enough, but the headlights are also reason enough.

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I am Jack's Lost 404 Aug 29, 2023

@straphanger

Not to mention horrible sight lines as doorframes get higher & A-frames block peripheral vision exactly where crosswalks fall when you're turning, and rear windows get smaller...

And I'm sure they try to excuse this reduction in driver visibility with their highly questionable auto-braking and camera features...

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Kevin Karhan

Aug 29, 2023

@straphanger you can thank the #EPA's BS rules for that!