Drivers of 4x4s are less likely to be involved in crashes than any other type of motorist, but when they are involved in an incident the injuries inflicted are more serious.

The latest research by the UK-based TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) and commissioned by Transport for London (TfL), flies in the face of previous studies that have suggested that 4x4s cause more crashes because their drivers feel protected and are therefore more likely to take risks. The TRL study found that the collision rate for 4x4s was 30 per cent lower than that for other cars.

Drivers in a 4x4 are higher up and react to hazards further down the road because they see them sooner. Around 70 per cent of them have active safety systems compared to up to 40 per cent of cars. However, a TfL spokesman said the study highlighted that pedestrians, in particular children, motorcyclists and occupants of small cars, were significantly more likely to be killed or seriously injured when in a crash with a large 4x4.

The report found that for those hit by a large 4x4 there was a 26 per cent chance of injuries, compared with a 22 per cent chance when hit by a smaller off-roader. When hit by an 'ordinary car', the rate of injury was 21 per cent.

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