Perceptions of sport-utility vehicle (SUV) safety by SUV drivers and non-drivers

Christopher B. Mayhorn 1 , Michael S. Wogalter 1 , Vincent C. Conzola 2 1 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC 27695-7650, USA 2 IBM Corporation Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA The number of sport-utility vehicles (SlNs) on U.S. roads has grown substantially in recent years. Despite their popularity, SlNs have several potential disadvantages. The present study examined people's (N=370) perceptions of several SlN aspects (seeing above or around the SlN , collision involvement with smaller vehicles, headlights "blinding" other drivers, rollover, and low gas mileage) as a function of their SlN driving experience. Gas mileage was rated the most negative aspect of SlNs. Participants who bad no SlN driving experience gave higher problem ratings to the SW aspects than participants who drive an SW or have some SW driving experience. SlN drivers gave lower problem ratings than non-SW drivers for aspects that could negatively affect non-SlN drivers (obscured line of sight, headlight glare, crash severity). Implications for driving safety and warnings are discussed.