Very interesting report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety today (story available here via the Insurance Journal) which found driver deaths in minicars are higher than in any other vehicle—and more than double the death rates in midsize and large cars.

While the report findings are indeed interesting, I always enjoy reading the reader responses to IJ articles.

"Bulldogg" sure doesn't know what to believe anymore—whether minicars are the way to go or if SUVs should rule the road:

WAIT A MOMENT, I was told (by the all-knowing media) that it was the SUVs that were killing people? I was told that small cars were the way to go, they were good on gas, good for the environment and safer because they don't go as fast.

NOW, I'm more likely to die in a car crash in one of these "Environmentally safe" cars?

Who screwed up on this one and led the media astray?

In the most dramatic light, it almost seems as if people are going to have to choose between bigger, potentially safer vehicles for the personal welfare of loved ones...or safer (and more fuel economical) vehicles for the environment.

Definitely a thought-provoking article. Check it out here and post your thoughts via comments.

[photo of the Toyota Yaris courtesy of Jalopnik.com]