HUMMERs, Large Vehicles Being Blamed for Traffic Fatalities

Tue, Jun 28, 2011

Hummer News


When an editorial is written on (owned by the Washington Post), cites research from the University of California, Berkeley, and mentions HUMMERs – you can bet it it won’t be a glowing review of the brand’s unique styling and off-road prowess. Instead you’ll find obscure statistics that somehow suggest that larger vehicles, including HUMMERs, are costing lives figures of upwards of $150 billion a year. Seriously?

I can’t help but think this is somehow retribution for the “Hummer v Prius” debate that has seemed to surface about every six months since 2007, where scientists using somewhat questionable science deemed the Prius worse for the environment than the Hummer.

Basically, the researchers found that if you’re struck by a heavier vehicle, the probability of a fatal accident goes way up. Side note: California is also wondering why their state has massive debt – perhaps the next study will reveal the STUNNING new find that spending more than you make leads to deficits.


Given the relationship between big cars and bad accidents, it might make sense to make such cars more expensive to buy or drive. You could do this with insurance premiums, or lawsuits. But the economists suggest a gas tax, “because it is simple and because gasoline usage is positively related to both miles driven and vehicle weight.”

I’m relatively certain that Hummers, Ford F150s, Cadillac Escalades, Chevy Tahoes, and GMC Suburbans are “more expensive to buy” AND “drive,” given the sticker price and lesser fuel economy than a Chevy Cobalt. titled the article, “Your Big Car Is Killing Me.” Why didn’t it say, “Your Small Cars Are Killing You,” or “Your Big Car Is Saving Your Families Life,” I wonder?

If I’m ever in an accident, I truly hope no one involved is hurt, but as long as there are teenagers testing and driving, adults drinking and driving, I’m not going to feel any remorse for stacking the deck in my family’s favor when it comes to a collision.

P.S. An article on HUMMER safety wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t include the ever-popular H3 V Dump Truck/Semi story

Further Reading:

A yuppie in his Prius is getting 42 miles a gallon. A Mom in a HUMMER — with six kids in the back – is actually doing much better

Five Groups More Deserving of Special Treatment than Hybrid Owners

Environmental concerns? Keep the Hummer, ditch the hamburger!

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2 Responses to “HUMMERs, Large Vehicles Being Blamed for Traffic Fatalities”

  1. Vince Says:

    I really get aggravated whenever “studies” or articles like “Your Big Car Is Killing Me” are written. I cant even wash mine in the driveway without people coming up to me and saying that it is ridiculous to have a HUMMER. I guess I will just let them live their lives driving their Civic’s. There a truly some great people(great being sarcastic)out there who degrade HUMMER’s for no reason.

  2. rocky Says:

    i truly can not believe that people can hate a car some much….
    i drive large suvs to protect my wife and kids and it is comfy
    you liberals want to protect rights like baby killing and internet porn
    but want to take away my choice to drive a safe hummer that will keep my kids alive in a crash. You are a strange group.