Sport-Utility Vehicles are as risky as normal cars for kids

Their has been always a perception that large bulky SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) are safer for traveling children compared to regular cars. However, a study published in this month’s Pediatrics journal has found that this is not exactly true. In fact, the researchers found that SUVs are as dangerous as regular cars in case of an accident for kids.

The research found that the risk of injury to children wearing appropriate safety restraints was about 1.7 percent regardless of vehicle type. They studied accident reports involving 3,922 children under the age of 16. In fact, the researchers also found that the injuries to kids from rollover accidents were more common in SUVs and the big size and massive weight of the involved vehicle proved to be of no help.

Rae Tyson, a representative for the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration said in a statement on this research report: “There are certain types of crashes where SUVs may provide you with some type of protection but you have to look at the overall safety record.” They also continues to highlight the importance of seat belts while traveling as the research found that the risk of injury was 25 times greater in SUV rollover crashes when children weren’t wearing a seatbelt.

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