Vehicle safety study highlights rising mortality risks from large SUVs and pickups

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlights a growing safety disparity in road collisions. Large SUVs and pickups provide high levels of protection for their occupants but significantly increase the mortality risk for drivers of smaller vehicles. The Ram 3500 Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD recorded the highest cross-mortality rate in the US, with 204 deaths of other motorists per million registered vehicles annually. Other high-ranking models include the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and various Ram 1500 and 2500 models, with Stellantis vehicles accounting for seven of the ten most lethal models for third parties.

Conversely, compact models like the Kia Rio and Nissan Versa face much higher mortality rates when involved in collisions due to their physical size disadvantages. IIHS President David Harkey noted that "even the safest small cars do not fare well in collisions with large pickups and heavy SUVs."

In Brazil, legal regulations dictate that trailers and carretinhas are classified as vehicles rather than mere attachments. To avoid fines, they must be registered with a unique Vehicle Identification Plate (PIV) and have their own Renavam and vehicle registration certificate (CRV). Mandatory safety equipment includes rear identification plates, position lights, brake lights, turn signals, license plate illumination, reflectors, and approved hitch systems.