Drivers of 4x4s are less likely to be involved in crashes than any other type of motorist, but when they are involved in an incident the injuries inflicted are more serious.

The latest research by the UK-based TRL (Transport Research Laboratory), flies in the face of previous studies that have suggested that 4x4s cause more crashes because their drivers feel protected and are therefore more likely to take risks. The TRL study found that:

• Collision rate for 4x4s was 30% lower than that for other cars.
• Drivers in a 4x4 are higher up and react to hazards further down the road because they see them sooner.
• Around 70% of them have active safety systems compared to up to 40% of cars.
• However, pedestrians, in particular children, motorcyclists and occupants of small cars hit by a large 4x4, have a 26% chance of injuries, compared with a 22% chance when hit by a smaller off-roader. When hit by an 'ordinary car', the rate of injury was 21%.