Doesn't surprise me

I was reading this today and I wasn't entirely surprised.

It isn't entirely accurate though as the reports author states:

"Although 4x4 vehicles are safer in a crash, their owners maybe placing themselves and other road users at increased risk of injury."

Bollocks are they safer in a crash. Fifth Gear put a Landrover Discovery up against a Renault Espace in a 40mph head on collision (80mph collision) and although the Landrover itself came off looking better in the crash, its occupants did not. Luckily they were dummys, like most of the people that drive them.* How many 4x4's have a 5 star Euro-NCAP rating? It's just a popular myth created by the logic that if it's bigger than all the other vehicles then it must be safer.

It's not the only popular myth in motoring. Whenever a new bypass or lane extension is suggested you always get people saying:

"More roads means more cars"

How exactly? Does anyone actually think

'Well I'm not going to buy a car until they extend that bypass'?

Of course they don't. Cars, like televisions have become increasingly commonplace in households. In the last 30 years, cars have become more affordable in relation to everyones earnings and so more people own them as a result. Roads have increased too but at the same rate. The rate is levelling out now for car ownership so a few more new roads (or lanes) might start to see a benefit to road congestion.

* If you live or work in a rural area and the roads are dangerous in certain weather conditions, or you regularly use your vehicle for towing, then a 4x4 is a sensible choice. If you live in an urban/suburban area and use your vehicle for nothing more than taking your children to school and yourself to work then you don't need one, get a proper car instead.

So to clear that up: I don't think my mother is a dummy... especially as I got a Renault Laguna courtesy of her 4x4 purchase. Thanks mum.