• Drivers of 4x4s / MPVs five times less likely to hit a crash barrier than those in other types of car
• 4x4 / MPV occupants are less likely to be killed or seriously injured in an accident. Occupants are also more likely to be uninjured
• SUVs ' under-represented in accidents on unclassified roads'

A quick glance through TRL's report on roadside safety barriers and 4x4s and MPVs shows a very different picture to that painted in many of today's press reports. The authors reviewed National Accident Statistics and DVLA data and conclude that drivers and passengers of 4x4s and MPVs are less likely to be killed or seriously injured than those in other types of car.

TRL's research also shows that 4x4s and MPVs are involved in fewer impacts with crash barriers. Just two per cent of strikes involve 4x4s / MPVs. But on Britain's roads these vehicles make up 10.1 per cent of the total fleet¹. That means 4x4s and MPVs are five times less likely to be involved in this type of collision.

SMMT says this is probably because more of these vehicles are fitted with accident avoidance technology like ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) to prevent skidding and loss of control. The huge investment in 'active safety' systems like ESP, as well as anti-rollover technology, assisted braking and lane departure warning systems, is saving lives every day.

TRL's findings follow a Department for Transport report published in October last year. This examined 2004 accident data and revealed that occupants in a 4x4 / SUV were around half as likely to be killed or seriously injured in a two-car impact as those in other types of car.

While this report is no longer available to download from the DfT web site, copies can be requested from the DfT on +44 (0)20 7944 6395 or e-mail: roadacc.stats@dft.gsi.gov.uk

'We need to reassure owners who have read reports in today's papers', said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan. 'Researchers at TRL have demonstrated that drivers of 4x4s and MPVs are less likely to be involved in collisions with safety barriers and that occupants are less likely to be killed or seriously injured in all types of accident.'