The eco-friendly way to get around is not always the safest, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The organization has recently pointed to the dangers associated with mixing low-speed vehicles and minitrucks with regular traffic. These golf carts and off-road cargo-hauling vehicles are lighter on emissions than their conventional counterparts, but are not prepared to protect drivers in an accident, according to the institute.

Forty-six states currently allow low-speed vehicles on roads, and many provide tax credits for consumers who purchase them, according to the report. Minitrucks have also experienced increased access, with 16 states currently permitting them on roads.

“By allowing LSVs and minitrucks on more and more kinds of roads, states are carving out exceptions to 40 years of auto safety regulations that save lives,” David Zuby, chief research officer for the institute, said. “It’s a troubling trend that flies in the face of the work insurers, automakers and the federal government have done to reduce crash risk.”

Because many of these vehicles do not meet crashworthy standards regulated for larger cars, those who operate them may face increased injuries and auto insurance claims following an accident.

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