Women with children are four times as likely to be behind the wheel of a 4x4 than they were 10 years ago

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I just told my husband that I want a MADMAX to show all these arrogant drivers who's the real KING of the road.

Don't pin the women, shoot the car manufacturers.

- Debi, USA

What I don't understand is how the market in the UK could support such vehicles? Here in the states where the price of gasoline is artificially low (at last fill up $2.45 per gallon), driving a 4x4, or as we call them in the states an "SUV" (Sport Utility Vehicle) is an expensive proposition. I can only imagine what it would cost to fill up an SUV when gas is $6 a gallon! Statistically, driving an SUV doesn’t make you any safer, and the benefits of a 4x4 will never be seen in the city such as London. If you really need a vehicle to haul around a bunch of children and all their gear, I’d suggest these people look at whatever the equivalent of the minivan is in the UK. They sit lower to the ground, generally have more room for stuff (and have features such as removable seats) and get better mileage. Yeah, you won’t be able to go off-road with a minivan, but seriously, if you ever find yourself in need of the lauded about 4x4 capabilities while in London, you’ve made a serious wrong turn. More than likely by the time you get done explaining the situation to the police, your only option will be to walk.

- Tim, Massachusetts, USA

"and some people perceive them to be safer for passengers."

Tragically false. You are five times more likely to be involved in an accident if you are driving an SUV. You are eight times more likely to suffer serious injuries/death if (and when) you are in an accident.

The safest vehicle on the road is a mid-sized Sedan.

- Eric, Boston, MA

The fact that car insurance is cheaper for women because they're safer drivers doesn't cut much ice with Brian from Swindon. Facts won't sway him. The article says 4x4s are 'perceived' as being safer. The statistics tell us they are. If you have lots of children to transport, 4x4s are indeed a good option and it's more likely that women will be the drivers under these circumstances.

- Alleagra, London

By the numbers, men tend to buy more used cars and make more investments while women tend to buy most SUVs and make very few investments.

This really adds up over a person's lifetime. Not just for the environment but also for a person's personal finance. So go buy a new Hummer every two years but don't come to me when your 60 and can't afford to retire.

- Ugly American, Las Vegas, USA

I'm so, so sorry our sad SUV obsession has made it across the ocean.


(Ford Focus hatchback, but I bike to work).

- Zack, Washington, DC, USA

Here here, Lucy of Surbiton, you've said it all, couldn't agree more. We used to walk 3 miles to school eveyday, wouldn't have dreamt of asking my parents for lift to school (Ford Anglia).

- Susan, BC Canada

What an awful combination 4x4 and woman driver, its a recipe for disaster, no wonder my little car picks up so many mystery car park dents.

- Brian, Swindon

I notice how frequently these 4x4 horrors are parked illegally, dangerously, and often in handicapped zones particularly at supermarkets. Clearly, there is an "attitude" of the drivers. Pathetic and sad.

- Freddie, London

I have an SUV, it's a Honda CRV. It isn't a permanent four wheel drive - only when the traction control deems it necessary. It has a 2.0 litre engine so can't really be called a gas guzzler. Although taller, it takes up around the same amount of road space as a Mondeo.

I like it because of the upright driving position which gives a better view of the road ahead.

- Jamie, Kenton, UK

The use of 4x4s on the London school run is nothing short of ridiculous. These beasts take up far too much of the road, and are a danger to pedestrians and vulnerable traffic, such as cyclists - like myself. They are symptomatic of the increasing 'I'm all right, Jack' attitude in our society - with their perceived higher level of protection for their passengers, at the expense of being 30 per cent more likely to cause death and serious injury to other road users. Tax these monstrosities off London roads now, and get kids walking to school instead.

- Lucy, Surbiton, Surrey

Why do we buy cars that can go 150mph plus, why do we buy cars with electric windows or with upgraded alloy wheels (why alloy wheels in the first place)? It is because we want to. Most of this is about the politics of envy.

Instead of playing with toll roads, satellite tracking and congestion zone why don't we just put up the price of petrol. It's simple really and zero administration. The more your car uses, the more you pay. Once we start banning this and outlawing that we might as well all start wearing overalls and replace the Union Jack with a red flag.

- Dan, Manchester

I have no doubt it's true there are more women behind the wheel of the off roaders these days, however, not sure I agree they are totally to blame. The marketing of these machines has been somewhat less than subtle when highlighting the size and power and you won't be messed with in this attitude, to women. Advertisers use fear and feelings of vulnerability shamelessly when targeting women, you only have to look at the RAC knights of the road ad for an exmple of this. 4x4 advertising is tops at this too.

- Bernard, London

I have a perfectly modest Vauxhall Corsa and it does the job. I don't quite get the fascination with driving big 4x4s. They take up too much space on the road, they guzzle gas and a child hit by one has a lot less chance of surviving. The people that drive them (in urban areas) are selfish and irresponsible. They only care if their child gets hurt not anyone else's.

- M, Bedford

My daughter's school is five miles away up an A road and then half a mile up a country lane that is frequently flooded. Needless to say, we won't let her walk to school. Where does this sit with you Jo of Harrow?

- Dave Davies, Basingstoke

They were meant for rural use, therefore they should either be banned in London and in other cities or taxed out of existence.

- Alexis Dogilewski, London, England

Its a pity that children no longer walk to school, its a good way of getting some exercise. When I was younger I walked up a hill to get to school, I was the youngest of 7 children and my family didn't own a car -never did us any harm. If the school is not within walking distance, then they should get the bus or train. Why can't mothers drive smaller cars, they can fit 4 kids in one or better still try car sharing. What about a tantem then everyone can exercise!

I'd like to see tax & insurance go up by £1,000 for all 4x4's in the city/towns.

- Jo, Harrow, Harrow

Although I don't need a 4 by 4 vehicle, reports like this make me want to buy one as an in your face affront to the weenies that critisize other people for exercising their freedom of choice. Come to think of it, I can buy one to go to work in and take the long way to enjoy it, and then a second extra large one to drive around in on weekends.

- Frank, Wolverhampton, England.

My mother used to have one back before they were trendy (she used it to pull my sisters horse trailer to horse shows), she always said she liked driving it as it made her feel more secure as she was higher up and had a better view.

- Trevor Roll, London

Well, it's what we all know, but daren't say. Women love status, and the bigger the car, the higher the perceived status.

An estate car has just as much internal space as a 4x4 (usually more), but when it comes to being the flashiest 'yummy mummy', it doesn't cut the mustard.

I'm rather looking forward to the mothers putting forward the reasons why they 'need' a large 4x4, while the human race has managed perfectly well without them forr millions of years. No doubt there will be a reference to 'safety' despite the fact that they have a poor safety record and are likely to mash any child unfortunate enough to get in the way of one of them.

- Brian, Telford

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