A comprehensive study analyzing over 680,000 road collisions across multiple countries over the past 35 years has found that pedestrians and cyclists are 44% more likely to die if hit by an SUV or similar-sized vehicle compared to a traditional car. The risk escalates to 82% for children, underscoring the heightened danger these vehicles pose to the most vulnerable road users.

The research, conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Imperial College London, compared the severity of injuries from collisions involving standard cars versus light truck vehicles, including SUVs, small vans, and pick-up trucks. The findings highlight the growing concern over the safety implications of the increasing popularity of SUVs, which are generally taller, wider, and heavier than traditional cars, and less fuel-efficient.

One of the key factors contributing to the increased risk is the design of SUVs, which feature a taller front end. This design means that in a collision, a pedestrian or cyclist is struck higher on their body—adults in the pelvis rather than the knees, and children in the head rather than lower on their body. Additionally, the blunter front end of SUVs increases the likelihood of the victim being thrown forward, potentially leading to secondary impacts or the vehicle rolling over their body.

The study's authors estimate that SUVs are involved in approximately 20% of car crashes in Europe and 45% in the US. They suggest that replacing all SUVs with standard cars could reduce pedestrian and cyclist fatalities by an estimated 8% in Europe and 17% in the US. These findings call for a reevaluation of vehicle design and road safety policies to mitigate the risks posed by the increasing dominance of SUVs on the roads.

BBC News at One presenter Nina Warhurst has recently found herself at the center of an online debate after a viewer criticized her choice of skirt and Mancunian accent. The 44-year-old journalist, who transitioned from BBC Breakfast to the lunchtime broadcast earlier this year, shared the unsolicited feedback on her Instagram Story, showcasing the comment that questioned the appropriateness of her skirt length for her age and praised a move towards 'received' pronunciation.

Warhurst's response was both witty and pointed, as she translated the critique into a playful jab at the underlying sexism and regional bias. 'Translation: if you're gonna look like an old trout, it's more acceptable if you don't sound Mancunian. Noted,' she wrote, highlighting the absurdity of the comments. This incident marks another example of the challenges female journalists face regarding their appearance and speech in the public eye.

The backlash against the viewer's comments has sparked a broader conversation about the expectations placed on women in media, particularly concerning age and regional accents. Warhurst's handling of the situation has been praised for its humor and grace, serving as a reminder of the resilience required to navigate the often harsh scrutiny of public life.

As Warhurst continues her role on BBC News at One, her experience underscores the ongoing struggle for respect and equality in the workplace, regardless of gender, age, or accent. Her ability to address criticism head-on, with a mix of sarcasm and strength, offers a blueprint for others facing similar unwarranted critiques in their professional lives.