Safety Second

NEW YORK, NY -- Among the most prominent modern threats to both our economy and society as a whole is the recent political faction known as the ‘green’ movement. These opponents of development and economy call for a return to pre-Industrial Revolution society and promote various often severe restrictions on the affluent quality of life that is so demonstrative of the success of North America’s capitalism.

However, the World Trade Foundation (WTF) believes that they have taken their actions too far. One of their more recent developments is an outright challenge to driving safety and threatens harm to citizens. Labelling larger, safer cars are “gas guzzlers,” the activists are now promoting the use of smaller cars such as the line of Smart cars.

Originally unavailable in North America due to the imminent danger they posed to drivers and passengers, the recent up-taking of the green movement by the public has led to their introduction onto North American streets.

Nonetheless, the WTF deplores the bypassing and fundamental neglect of the very safety regulations that keep us alive while driving. The safety regulatory body known as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) acknowledged that the Smart Fortwo is classified in a group of its own, known as ‘micro-cars’. This class is one smaller even than the Mini Cooper’s. While this Smart model has received top safety ratings in its class, the IIHS explains that these ratings cannot be compared between classes, which “means a small car that earns a good rating isn’t safer than a large car that’s rated less good”. Thus, the Fortwo’s—and any other micro-car’s—top ratings really only mean that, as a passenger on the road, they are a safer choice than ATVs and perhaps shopping carts.

Furthermore, the WTF expresses strong concern and worry for the impact that the green revolution may have on the American economy. As people trade in their classical American SUVs and vans to imported smaller cars, American car companies are losing market share and profitability. This jeopardizes many of the domestic jobs here in the automotive industry. Moreover, taking larger cars off the streets also reduces oil demand, which further damages the American economy.

But the ultimate sacrifice rests with the endangered motorists. Disillusioned by the sway of the green movement, they risk not only their jobs but also their lives by putting safety second.

Related reading: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080514/smart_car_080514/20080514?s_name=Autos

Image source: CTV News