I don't have a log in to read the full paper, but from your description and the preview, I can't help but think that this is just a weird extension of the trolley problem.
You're taking an action that means you're more likely to harm someone else, but that same action also means the people in your car are less likely to be harmed.
Its also subconscious bias of legislators on display, because they typically knock around in said big vehicles. Just look at presidential vehicles or ministerial vehicles, or royal vehicles.
I'd love to see a big wig, knocking around in a Peugeot 106, or mini with a cavalcade. Even better if they can drive it themselves!
Do you think car manufacturers would spend more time making smaller lightweight bullet proof crash proof cars, like you see in Formula 1? Something less likely to kill but bounce its occupants around when it crashes and do less harm, like zorbing.
Nothing against cars per se, I love them, but it would be nice to see more Toyota Yaris GRX's or Polo GTI's which are pocket rockets but with better crash protection. Problem is people now haul around so much guff in their vehicles, they need these bigger vehicles.
Blame it on the complicated consumer based form of capitalism we live in today.
You're taking an action that means you're more likely to harm someone else, but that same action also means the people in your car are less likely to be harmed.