Autobesity

Autobesity, also known as car bloat and truck bloat, is the contemporary trend of cars increasing in average size and weight. The phenomenon has been observed in the around the world including USA, UK and Australia.[1] Debate focuses in particular on SUVs and pickup trucks.

Negative consequences

Negative consequences for air quality

Autobesity has negative consequences for air quality[2] because heavier vehicles release more particles from tyres and brakes.[3]

Negative consequences for road safety

Autobesity has negative consequences for road safety[4][5] because heavier vehicles have greater kinetic energy and taller vehicles are more likely to strike pedestrians in the head or torso.[6]

Large vehicles are more likely to hit pedestrians[7] when turning because they have worse visibility.

Negative consequences for parking

Autobesity causes problems for parking because big vehicles do not fit in typical parking spaces.[8]

Explanations

An individual driver may choose a large car for personal safety, though it threatens other road users. This in turn pushes others to choose large cars, a vicious circle. A US National Safety Council expert described autobesity as an "arms race".[9]

Government actions to counter autobesity
  • From 2024 Paris charges greater parking fees for SUVs.[10]
  • A 2023 European Parliament report proposes introducing a new "category B+" driving licence for cars heavier than 1,800 kg (4,000 lb).[11]

References
  1. Hatch, Patrick (August 5, 2023). "Bigger, dirtier, more dangerous: How 'auto-besity' is a health risk for everyone". The Sydney Morning Herald. Australia. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  2. Fuller, Gary (September 8, 2023). "'Autobesity' on course to worsen air pollution caused by motoring". The Guardian. UK.
  3. Zipper, David (July 19, 2023). "EVs Are Sending Toxic Tire Particles Into the Water, Soil, and Air". The Atlantic. US. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  4. These Stupid Trucks are Literally Killing Us. Netherlands. March 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023 – via www.youtube.com.
  5. "Des voitures plus lourdes, plus hautes et plus puissantes pour une sécurité routière à deux vitesses ?" [Heavier, taller and more powerful cars for two-speed road safety?]. Belgium: Vias Institute. August 30, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  6. "Editorial: Hulking SUVs and trucks are deadly. We need to encourage safer models". Los Angeles Times. US. April 4, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  7. "SUVs, other large vehicles often hit pedestrians while turning". US: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. March 17, 2022. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  8. Norris, Sian (August 26, 2023). "More than 150 car models too big for regular UK parking spaces". Guardian. UK. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  9. Zipper, David (November 7, 2022). "The Car Safety Feature That Kills the Other Guy". Slate. US. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  10. Willsher, Kim (July 11, 2023). "Paris to charge SUV drivers higher parking fees to tackle 'auto-besity'" – via The Guardian.
  11. "Draft report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences, amending Directive (EU) 2022/2561 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulation (EU) No 383/2012" (PDF). European Parliament. July 19, 2023. 2023/0053(COD). Retrieved September 23, 2023.
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