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BenC
28-07-06, 11:03 PM
4WDS ARE NOT DRIVEWAY DEMONS


For the third year in a row, the comprehensive Reversing Visibility Index study, carried out by NRMA Insurance, reveals that 4WD vehicles are not the driveway demons some self-appointed safety experts claim.

The death or injury of child, caused by a reversing vehicle, is tragic. However, apportioning most of the blame on 4WD vehicles is not supported by facts. As the NRMA results show, visibility during reversing has little to do with the physical size of the vehicle. Many people (incorrectly) believe that ?size? determines visibility; whereas the position of the vehicle?s driver and the baseline of the rear window are the criteria.

Toyota?s Landcruiser 100-Series wagon is a good example. For, despite the fact that it would be considered ?large? by most observers, the Landcruiser?s rear vision is superior to that of the majority of vehicles tested.

According to the comprehensive report, based on tests of current vehicles in July 2006, the 100-Series Landcruiser has better rear visibility than:
100% of the Medium cars, 91% of the Commercial vehicles, 90% of the People-Movers, 87% of the Large cars, 80% of the Luxury cars, 72% of the Sports cars, 64% of the Small-Medium cars, and (believe it or not) 50% of the Small cars.

Of the 40 4WDs tested, 36 had better rear visibility than Holden?s Commodore and 38 had better rear visibility than Mitsubishi?s recently-released 380 sedan.

Only two vehicles were awarded a 5-Star rating: Ford?s 4WD/2WDTerritory and the Lexus GS430 sedan. Results achieved with rear-vision cameras.

The data above was calculated using NRMA Insurance statistics.

Keep 4WD Alive! is an initiative of 4WD1 Pty Ltd, publisher of 4wd4sale.com For more news, articles and editorials relating to 4WDs please visit our website.

Jaffas
10-08-06, 12:50 PM
Bout time we got some decent press