The Increasing Danger of America’s “Car Spreading” Problem

I want you to do an experiment.

The next time you’re on the road, take a quick look around and guesstimate what percentage of vehicles are either a truck or SUV. You might be surprised.

It’s estimated that 70–80% of vehicles sold in the US are trucks or SUVs. These vehicles are often marketed for their ruggedness, and ability to handle rough conditions, depicted in commercials splashing through mud and traversing snow covered mountain roads.

And inside most of these cars? I see nicely dressed people driving 30 minutes to work on pristine roads.

Per a newly released study by Dr. Anthony A. Laverty, associate professor of public health, curbing sales of these vehicles would reduce the risk of pedestrian harm, air pollution, and fatalities by a large margin.

Sadly, global roads are all succumbing to “car spreading” — which is the progressive enlargement of vehicles over time.

In 2023, total sales of SUVs in developed economies surpassed 50% for the first time in history. I even noticed this during my recent trip to Europe.

Each day, sandwiched between the on-brand tiny sedans, was at least one hulking SUV, squeezing down narrow cobblestone streets. SUVs are even popping up in Eastern Europe in spades.