The trend of purchasing bigger trucks and SUVs is having deadly consequences. A new report has shown a worrying link between vehicle size and pedestrian fatalities.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), tall trucks and SUVs are significantly more likely to kill pedestrians than shorter vehicles. The rise in pedestrian deaths coincides with the increasing popularity of these larger vehicles.
Height and Deadliness
Vehicles with hood heights of 40 inches or more are 45 percent more likely to result in fatal pedestrian crashes compared to vehicles with shorter hood heights. This is especially concerning as these high-riding vehicles become more popular.
The average American vehicle has grown in dimensions over the past few decades, with many now exceeding 40 inches in hood height. These measurements are critical as they correspond directly to an increased risk of fatal injuries in pedestrian crashes.
Safety Versus Design
The auto industry often portrays larger vehicles as safer for the driver. However, this perceived safety comes at a significant cost to pedestrians. Vehicles with higher clearance and front-end designs that are more aggressive tend to cause more severe injuries.
Studies have shown that when pedestrians are struck by these larger vehicles, injuries are more likely to affect the head and torso. In contrast, smaller vehicles typically cause injuries to the legs, which are less likely to be fatal.
Statistical Evidence
The IIHS conducted a thorough study of nearly 18,000 crashes involving single-passenger vehicles and pedestrians. They excluded vehicles equipped with pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems to isolate the impact of vehicle design.
By identifying crash-involved vehicles through VINs and analyzing their front-end measurements, the IIHS established a clear link between the size and shape of vehicles and the likelihood of fatal pedestrian accidents.
Additionally, factors such as speed limits, and the age and sex of the pedestrians were controlled for in the study. The design of vehicles with larger hood heights was found to be a significant risk factor.
Lack of Regulation
Despite overwhelming evidence, regulatory measures have not kept up with the evolving vehicle market. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) focuses on the safety of vehicle occupants, often overlooking the risks to pedestrians.
The NHTSA’s assessment, known as the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), rates vehicles based on crash-test dummies inside the car, disregarding the potential harm to pedestrians and cyclists.
While recent updates to NCAP include advanced driver-assistance features, vehicle size and design remain unaddressed. This regulatory gap allows automakers to continue producing larger vehicles without considering their impact on pedestrian safety.
Public Health Crisis
The rise in pedestrian fatalities is part of a broader pedestrian safety crisis in the United States. Fatalities are at a 40-year high, and the number of pedestrians killed has surged by 80 percent since 2009.
Higher vehicle clearances mean that struck pedestrians are more likely to slide underneath the vehicle, resulting in more severe injuries or death. This is in stark contrast to being pushed onto the hood or to the side by smaller vehicles.
Front blind zones in large trucks and SUVs have significantly contributed to the injuries and deaths of many, especially children. This critical design flaw highlights the urgent need for regulatory changes to protect pedestrians.
Industry Response
Industry leaders have been slow to respond to these alarming findings. The lack of regulatory pressure means that automakers continue to prioritize driver safety over pedestrian safety.
IIHS President David Harkey emphasized the reality of truck and SUV designs being more harmful to pedestrians. He urged manufacturers to reconsider the height and shape of their vehicles in light of these findings.
The industry must balance consumer demand for larger vehicles with the critical need for improved pedestrian safety measures. Without regulatory changes, automakers have little incentive to alter their designs.
Conclusion
The trend towards larger trucks and SUVs poses a significant risk to pedestrian safety. The data clearly links vehicle design to the likelihood of fatal crashes.
Regulatory agencies and automakers must work together to address this public health issue. Implementing design changes and enhancing safety features are crucial steps towards reducing pedestrian fatalities.
The growing popularity of larger vehicles is undoubtedly linked to an increase in pedestrian fatalities.
As the data shows, vehicle design plays a crucial role in pedestrian safety. It is imperative for both regulators and automakers to take this issue seriously to prevent further loss of life.
Source: Theverge