Those 3 wheeler's are considered motorcycles. They're also death traps.
Those onerous federal regulations keep 10s of thousands of people from dying and probably 2-3x that from being seriously injured or permanently disabled. They are a good thing. You want fun small cars to be 'safe' again? Figure out a way to do away with huge trucks and SUVs (ehem, carbon tax anyone?)
The fact that cars need to resist getting hit by a loaded dumptruck that got lifted by a tornado, while motorcycles are legal, is one of the great studies of "practical laws without principle". If we 100% cared about freedom, we would let cars be designed in any particular way. If we 100% cared about safety, we wouldn't allow motorcycles on the road (or allow vehicles to be any larger than required for personal transport).
It's just a mishmash of laws that kinda make sense. Most people use cages, so make the cages safe and let the motorcyclists die if they like.
Different people have different concerns. I don't own a motorcycle because I demand higher safety standards. I sometimes consider giving up my bicycle because those are equally dangerous on roads (I have separated bike paths to where I want to go, but when those cross a road I'm never even looked for - bikes are normally much worse), but my doctor ensures me that the health benefits make up some of the danger.
Cars are dangerous too, but lacking transit options it is the safest choice I have.
I'm not necessarily complaining about the decisionmaking of being practical. It strikes a balance.
I was riding my bicycle four days ago, and while turning on a street, ran over some loose gravel from road construction. The bike went out from under me, and I slammed my face into the concrete. Concussion, possible sinus fracture, and sore teeth/nerves. I'm seeing some specialists this week.
Shit happens. Would I mandate full-face helmets for weekend bike rides? No. Would I sue the city for not properly sweeping a road after they patch a part of it? No. Shit happens.
That said, I hope my brain doesn't deteriorate too much more - this is head injury #4 that I'm aware of.
The rules are very much based on principle. General passenger vehicles are regulated to the standards we expect for general passenger transportation, and special cases are regulated with those special cases in mind.
I don't think they were suggesting that. I think they were suggesting that being wrecked into by a heavy vehicle while in a light vehicle is dangerous for the people in the light vehicle. Which is true.
They are probably safer than a motorcycle, but you still need to wear a helmet and don't even think about splitting lanes. Also too low for serious street driving (unlike a motorcycle).
Those onerous federal regulations keep 10s of thousands of people from dying and probably 2-3x that from being seriously injured or permanently disabled. They are a good thing. You want fun small cars to be 'safe' again? Figure out a way to do away with huge trucks and SUVs (ehem, carbon tax anyone?)