Study Finds Large Pickups and SUVs Pose Greater Risk to Pedestrians

A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has revealed that large, blunt-nosed pickups and SUVs are more dangerous to pedestrians compared to other vehicle types. While this may seem like an obvious outcome, it is an issue that has been discussed for decades as vehicles continue to increase in size and squareness.

History of Pedestrian Safety

The concern for pedestrian safety in vehicle design has been a topic of discussion since the 1980s. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initially did not prioritize this issue when it was established in 1966. However, crash data from the 1970s indicated that taller vehicles with flat fronts were more likely to cause harm to pedestrians. As a result, the government began mandating designs that considered pedestrian safety.

IIHS Studies Confirm the Risk

The IIHS has conducted several studies on this topic, reaffirming the increased risk posed by SUVs and pickups to pedestrians. In 2020, they specifically covered the pedestrian angle and concluded that these larger vehicles pose a greater risk. They followed up in 2022 with a report highlighting how larger vehicles often hit pedestrians while turning.

According to the IIHS study, pickups, SUVs, and vans with a hood height greater than 40 inches are about 45 percent more likely to cause fatalities in pedestrian crashes compared to vehicles with a hood height of 30 inches or less and a sloping profile. The study also found that a blunt front end further increases the risk to pedestrians among vehicles with hood heights between 30 and 40 inches.

IIHS President David Harkey stated, “More aggressive-looking vehicles can indeed do more harm.” He emphasized that pedestrian crash deaths have risen by 80 percent since 2009, with nearly 7,400 pedestrians losing their lives in 2021 after being struck by a vehicle.

Vehicle Design and Safety

The average U.S. passenger vehicle has significantly increased in size over the past 30 years. Many vehicles now have hoods that are more than 40 inches tall, which can be at eye level for adults. The IIHS study suggests that manufacturers can make vehicles less dangerous to pedestrians by lowering the front end of the hood and angling the grille and hood to create a sloped profile.

However, it is important to consider that ground clearance is crucial for off-road driving and areas with poor road conditions. Additionally, large trucks and SUVs are popular among consumers due to their aesthetic appeal and better profit margins for automakers.

Implications for Regulations

The IIHS study sets the stage for potential regulations that could impact vehicle designs. Vehicles with hoods higher than 40 inches and a grille sloped at an angle of 65 degrees or less were found to be 45 percent more likely to cause pedestrian fatalities. This includes most full-sized and HD pickup trucks, presenting a significant challenge for the industry and regulators.

While the IIHS study provides comprehensive data to support its case, it is likely that further studies will be conducted in the future. Nevertheless, addressing the issue of pedestrian safety in vehicle design is crucial to reduce fatalities and improve road safety.

[Images: IIHS]