The Deadly Arms Race of Heavy Vehicles

On today’s roads, bigger often feels safer. Across the United States, more drivers are choosing larger SUVs and pickup trucks in the belief that extra size offers greater protection in a crash. But what protects one driver may dramatically increase the danger for everyone else. In this episode, we explore the growing "arms race" on American roads, tracing how heavier vehicles have transformed the dynamics of traffic safety. From the economics driving manufacturers toward ever-larger models to regulations that prioritize occupant protection over the risks posed to others, we examine why vehicle size has become a public safety dilemma. As electric vehicles add even more weight through massive battery packs, the story reveals a difficult question at the heart of modern transportation: when everyone seeks greater personal safety, can the roads become more dangerous for society as a whole?https://www.economist.com/interactive/united-states/2024/08/31/americans-love-affair-with-big-cars-is-killing-them