Australians are increasingly drawn to larger vehicles like SUVs and utes, driven by tax benefits, despite rising road fatalities, emissions, and costs for fuel and insurance. The traditional family cars like the Commodore and Corolla have been replaced by models such as the Ranger, RAV4, HiLux, and Outlander, with a growing interest in American-style pickups. This trend continues despite evidence highlighting the safety risks these vehicles pose.
Research consistently shows that the size and weight of these vehicles can lead to more severe accidents, particularly affecting pedestrians and smaller cars. Road fatalities in Australia have been rising, especially among pedestrians, cyclists, and motorbike riders, while driver and passenger deaths have decreased in recent years. Although the exact reasons are unclear, experts suggest the prevalence of larger vehicles is a contributing factor.
The societal impact of this shift includes increased fuel costs, higher emissions, and greater insurance premiums, all exacerbated by tax incentives that encourage even non-tradies to opt for large utes. These vehicles also contribute to parking and traffic issues, impacting productivity.
The appeal of these vehicles may be linked to a perceived sense of security and luxury, but their growing popularity as family cars, particularly through tax-subsidized work vehicles, is notable. As manufacturers like Mitsubishi anticipate more family sales, the design of these vehicles is evolving, with modern comforts taking precedence over traditional utility features.
Experts suggest several strategies to encourage more responsible vehicle choices. For instance, Australia's Ancap safety ratings could adopt minimum pedestrian safety scores, similar to standards in Europe and Japan, to limit the sale of the most dangerous large vehicles. Additionally, independent transport expert Marion Terrill proposes requiring a higher-level driver's license for operating these vehicles, with increased registration fees to reflect their social costs.
Manufacturers have prioritized SUVs and utes in the Australian market, reducing the availability of smaller cars. A vehicle efficiency standard could encourage the import of cleaner vehicles, potentially leading to more electric and hybrid options. Parking regulations could also influence consumer choices, with more small car-only spaces and higher parking fees for larger vehicles, as seen in Paris.
While these measures could help, the long lifespan of cars means changes will take time to have an impact. Recognizing the issue is the first step in addressing the societal costs of these large vehicles, which remain a significant but often overlooked problem.