Americans too fat to drive?

Just_me · 09-18-2007, 02:31 AM

Americans - like their cars - are getting heavier every year. Unfortunately, it seems the tested passenger capacities of the cars they drive are not keeping up. Two-seaters like the Mazda MX-5 and the Chevy Corvette aren’t rated to carry two 200lb (91kg) adults - and some, like the Cadillac XLR are just barely rated to carry an average American couple, reports USA Today.

It’s not just sporty coupes and roadsters that can’t handle the increased girth of their grocery-getting governors. Minivans (or MPVs), SUVs/crossovers, and sedans are all skimping on approved passenger weights. Examples include Acura’s TSX, which seats five people, as long as their average weight doesn’t exceed 170lb (77kg), and Mazda’s CX-7, which sports identical specifications.

Auto makers claim the weight limits are based on a mandatory federal formula that only allots 150lbs (68kg) for each passenger - a number which is clearly unrealistic for the average American. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determined in 2004 the average American man weighs 190lb (86kg), while his female counterpart weighs 163lb (74kg).

While all of the cars involved can carry more weight than their ratings show, as Honda spokesperson Sage Marie says, automakers “can’t be responsible for the vehicle’s dynamic characteristics” if the maximum passenger weight is exceeded. Manufacturers reportedly build in a safety margin, though how much is unclear and likely varies between makes and models.

The bottom line: American bums are crossing the line between unhealthy and unsafe.

SDNR · 09-18-2007, 02:46 AM

I think the real problem is the cars just keep getting smaller

However, it's been a while since any of these girls have seen their own feet.

monster · 09-18-2007, 03:01 AM

HOLLY CRAP ROB..................

The last time when I mentioned Americans and weight in this forum it didn't end well, actually i am too sick to type right now.

Just_me · 09-18-2007, 03:05 AM

Well, if it gets out of control I lock the thread. It time to show your mature side

SDNR · 09-18-2007, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monster

HOLLY CRAP ROB...............

LOL, I'm sorry -- I've got to stop making people vomit with my posts

atuv · 09-18-2007, 07:38 AM

Lol @ this thread,and Rob wow

bmer · 09-18-2007, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

I think the real problem is the cars just keep getting smaller

LOL

It's not only problem in America, Europeans are getting fatter as well.

Just_me · 09-18-2007, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmer

LOL

It's not only problem in America, Europeans are getting fatter as well.

personally I have lost 3 kg fat and gained 5 kg muscles

MikeJ · 09-18-2007, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmer

LOL

It's not only problem in America, Europeans are getting fatter as well.

True, and we Finns are the third fattest people in Europe.

The Maltese and the Greek take the top two positions.

Just_me · 09-18-2007, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeJ

True, and we Finns are the third fattest people in Europe.

too much alcohol and Sauna

09-18-2007, 02:31 AM	#1
Just_me Executive Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 15,487 Thanks: 1,062 Thanked 3,722 Times in 1,583 Posts	Americans too fat to drive? Americans - like their cars - are getting heavier every year. Unfortunately, it seems the tested passenger capacities of the cars they drive are not keeping up. Two-seaters like the Mazda MX-5 and the Chevy Corvette aren’t rated to carry two 200lb (91kg) adults - and some, like the Cadillac XLR are just barely rated to carry an average American couple, reports USA Today. It’s not just sporty coupes and roadsters that can’t handle the increased girth of their grocery-getting governors. Minivans (or MPVs), SUVs/crossovers, and sedans are all skimping on approved passenger weights. Examples include Acura’s TSX, which seats five people, as long as their average weight doesn’t exceed 170lb (77kg), and Mazda’s CX-7, which sports identical specifications. Auto makers claim the weight limits are based on a mandatory federal formula that only allots 150lbs (68kg) for each passenger - a number which is clearly unrealistic for the average American. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determined in 2004 the average American man weighs 190lb (86kg), while his female counterpart weighs 163lb (74kg). While all of the cars involved can carry more weight than their ratings show, as Honda spokesperson Sage Marie says, automakers “can’t be responsible for the vehicle’s dynamic characteristics” if the maximum passenger weight is exceeded. Manufacturers reportedly build in a safety margin, though how much is unclear and likely varies between makes and models. The bottom line: American bums are crossing the line between unhealthy and unsafe.

09-18-2007, 02:46 AM	#2
SDNR Connoisseur Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 5,985 Thanks: 1,319 Thanked 870 Times in 534 Posts	Re: Americans too fat to drive? I think the real problem is the cars just keep getting smaller However, it's been a while since any of these girls have seen their own feet.

09-18-2007, 03:01 AM	#3
monster Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sydney Posts: 2,084 Thanks: 808 Thanked 928 Times in 486 Posts	Re: Americans too fat to drive? HOLLY CRAP ROB.................. The last time when I mentioned Americans and weight in this forum it didn't end well, actually i am too sick to type right now.

09-18-2007, 03:05 AM	#4
Just_me Executive Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 15,487 Thanks: 1,062 Thanked 3,722 Times in 1,583 Posts	Re: Americans too fat to drive? Well, if it gets out of control I lock the thread. It time to show your mature side

09-18-2007, 07:38 AM	#6
atuv Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,198 Thanks: 440 Thanked 81 Times in 78 Posts	Re: Americans too fat to drive? Lol @ this thread,and Rob wow

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