Autobesity
Autobesity, also known as car bloat and truck 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, UK and Australia[1]. Debate focuses in particular on SUVs and pickup trucks.
Negative consequences
Negative consequences for air quality
Autobesity has negative consequences for air quality[2] because heavier vehicles release more particles from tyres and brakes[3].
Negative consequences for road safety
Autobesity has negative consequences for road safety[4][5] because heavier vehicles have greater kinetic energy and taller vehicles are more likely to strike pedestrians in the head or torso[6].
Large vehicles are more likely to hit pedestrians[7] when turning because they have worse visibility.
Negative consequences for parking
Autobesity causes problems for parking because big vehicles do not fit in typical parking spaces[8].
Explanations
An individual driver may choose a large car for personal safety, though it threatens other road users. This in turn pushes others to choose large cars, a vicious circle. [9]. A US National Safety Council expert described autobesity as an "arms race"[10].
Government actions to counter autobesity
References
- ^ https://www.smh.com.au/national/bigger-dirtier-more-dangerous-how-auto-besity-is-a-health-risk-for-everyone-20230803-p5dtkg.html
- ^ Fuller, Gary (September 8, 2023). "'Autobesity' on course to worsen air pollution caused by motoring" – via The Guardian.
- ^ Zipper, David (July 19, 2023). "EVs Are Sending Toxic Tire Particles Into the Water, Soil, and Air". The Atlantic.
- ^ "These Stupid Trucks are Literally Killing Us" – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ "Des voitures plus lourdes, plus hautes et plus puissantes pour une sécurité routière à deux vitesses ?". www.vias.be. August 30, 2023.
- ^ "Editorial: Hulking SUVs and trucks are deadly. We need to encourage safer models". Los Angeles Times. April 4, 2023.
- ^ "SUVs, other large vehicles often hit pedestrians while turning". IIHS-HLDI crash testing and highway safety.
- ^ Norris, Sian (August 26, 2023). "More than 150 car models too big for regular UK parking spaces" – via The Guardian.
- ^ https://slate.com/business/2022/11/suv-size-truck-bloat-pedestrian-deaths.html
- ^ https://slate.com/business/2022/11/suv-size-truck-bloat-pedestrian-deaths.html
- ^ Willsher, Kim (July 11, 2023). "Paris to charge SUV drivers higher parking fees to tackle 'auto-besity'" – via The Guardian.