Autobesity

Autobesity, also known as car bloat, is the contemporary trend of cars increasing in average size and weight. The phenomenon has been observed in the around the world including USA and UK. Debate focuses in particular on SUVs and pickup trucks.

Negative consequences

Negative consequences for air quality

Autobesity has negative consequences for air quality^[1] because heavier vehicles release more particles from tyres and brakes^[2].

Negative consequences for road safety

Autobesity has negative consequences for road safety^[3]^[4] because heavier vehicles have greater kinetic energy) and taller vehicles are more likely to strike pedestrians in the head or torso^[5].

Negative consequences for parking

Autobesity causes problems for parking because big vehicles do not fix in typical parking spaces^[6].

Government actions to counter autobesity

From 2024 Paris charges greater parking fees for SUVs.^[7]

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External links

https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/2023/08/21/new-words-21-august-2023/

References

[1] ttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/08/autobesity-on-course-to-worsen-air-pollution-caused-by-motoring

[2] ttps://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/07/electric-vehicles-tires-wearing-out-particulates/674750/

[3] ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN7mSXMruEo

[4] ttps://www.vias.be/fr/newsroom/des-voitures-plus-lourdes-plus-hautes-et-plus-puissantes-pour-une-securite-routiere-a-deux-vitesses-/

[5] ttps://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-04-04/editorial-hulking-suvs-and-trucks-are-deadly-to-pedestrians-why-arent-regulators-pushing-for-safer-models

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

[7] ttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/11/paris-charge-suv-drivers-higher-parking-fees-tackle-auto-besity

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