NU Online News Service, May 20, 2:00 p.m. EDT
Low-speed vehicles are not a safe alternative to traditional automobiles, and drivers should consider safer alternatives to these "souped-up golf carts," the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said.
In a report issued today, the IIHS said more states are allowing low-speed vehicles (LSVs) or mini-trucks to access regular highway traffic, making for "a deadly combination."
The IIHS describes LSVs as "essentially souped-up golf carts that were envisioned as a low-cost, eco-friendly way to tool around gated communities in the Sun Belt where they would have little interaction with larger vehicles."
The problem, IIHS said, is that the electrically powered vehicles are not up to any of the safety standards automobiles and trucks must meet. The vehicles are designed not to exceed 35 miles per hour, and are now permitted on roads in 46 states. Mini-trucks are now allowed in 16 states, IIHS said.
"By allowing LSVs and mini-trucks on more and more kinds of roads, states are carving out exceptions to 40 years of auto safety regulations that save lives," said David Zuby, the IIHS's chief research officer in a statement. "It's a troubling trend that flies in the face of the work insurers, automakers, and the federal government have done to reduce crash risk."
Mr. Zuby recommended consumers bypass these vehicles and spend more for standard pickups or economy cars for crash protection.
The full report, with crash test video is available at http://bit.ly/9W9Wab.
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