Interesting phenomenon that you point out with Prius drivers, as has also been noted at this link I posted previously:
“Ever been cut off by a prius with an Obama sticker? It happens more often than it should. The tipping point for the One Less Prius sticker was nearly being hit by one such vehicle IN THE BIKE LANE on Sunset Blvd. The guy gave me the finger when I threw my hands up.”
I don’t ever see this because I don’t ride a bicycle. I might if they had dedicated separate paths where I need to ride, but sharing the roadway with autos is too dangerous for my blood.
But why you cyclists notice an increased danger from Prius owners is very interesting. Three possible reasons I can think of:
(1) Maybe they are generally less attentive drivers? I sometimes think that many Prius owners don’t like visiting gas stations because they just don’t like cars. Since they don’t like cars, I wonder if that gives them poorer than average driving skills – maybe they don’t take the time to hone those skills.
(2) Maybe they are envious of someone greener than they are?
(3) (thought I had a third possibility but have forgotten)
This would make an interesting case study…if one every gets done, let me know because I’d love to find out the psychology behind this behavior![/quote]
First, hope NavyDoc is feeling better!
I pulled up IIHS data and found that in small car segment that Prius [drivers] had fewest claims for bodily injury and lowest overall claims. Of course the age and stature of these drivers is the dominant factor for this data instead of the actual car.
Cars with highest losses bodily injury (2006-2008)
(Pretty much young male drivers)
[100 represents the average result for all vehicles in each loss coverage category]
Suzuki Forenza Small four-door models 205
Mitsubishi Lancer Small four-door models 181
Scion tC Small two-door models 172
Infiniti FX35 4dr Midsize luxury SUVs 171
Pontiac G5 Small two-door models 161
Chevrolet Cobalt Small two-door models 160
Dodge Magnum Large station wagons/minivans 160
Kia Spectra Small four-door models 156
Dodge Charger Large four-door models 156
Hyundai Tiburon Small two-door models 154
———————————————
Collision Rate
BMW 3 series 2dr 180
Prius 103
———————————————
Cars with fewest losses bodily injury claims
Chevrolet Corvette Midsize sports models 41
Infiniti M35 4dr 4WD Large luxury models 44
Chevrolet Corvette convertible Midsize sports models 48
Toyota Tundra double 4WD Large pickups 48
GMC Acadia 4dr 4WD Large SUVs 53
Mazda MX-5 Miata convertible Mini sports models 54
Toyota Highlander 4dr 4WD Midsize SUVs 57
Mercedes E class 4dr 4WD Large luxury models 57
Pontiac Solstice convertible Small sports models 58
BMW Z4 convertible Small sports models 58
———————————————
What’s the lesson? Ride two wheelers in neighborhoods with all Corvettes!
