You might think all vehicles pose the same risk to pedestrians, but a new study reveals that’s not the case. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that taller vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks cause more severe injuries to pedestrians, even at lower speeds.
The research shows that the risk of injury rises as vehicle speed increases, but it’s even greater for vehicles with higher front ends. In the U.S., where larger vehicles are more common, pedestrians face a higher risk of injury than in countries with smaller cars.
The numbers tell the story
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities rose by 54% between 2010 and 2020, coinciding with the increasing popularity of larger vehicles.
When examining collision outcomes at 25 mph, IIHS researchers found standard passenger cars cause moderate injuries in more than half of cases and severe trauma in about one-third.
However, trucks with elevated front ends show much grimmer statistics – over 80% chance of moderate injuries and twice the likelihood of severe trauma at the same speed. This heightened danger stems from how taller vehicles strike pedestrians at more vulnerable points on their bodies.
Speed and size: A dangerous combination
The relationship between vehicle size and injury severity becomes more dramatic as speeds increase. For standard cars, the risk of serious injury rises from under 10% at low speeds to approximately 50% at 35 mph.
Pickup trucks show an even more alarming pattern, with severe injury risks soaring from 10% to over 90% across the same speed range. This stark difference highlights how vehicle height compounds the dangers of increased speed.
Solutions for safer streets
While the IIHS study focused on the increased danger posed by larger American vehicles, the group points to specific actions that could improve pedestrian safety, including:
- Implementing lower speed limits in high-pedestrian areas
- Encouraging vehicle manufacturers to modify front-end designs
- Installing more robust automatic emergency braking systems
- Improving infrastructure in pedestrian-heavy zones
Research suggests that reducing speeds from 30 to 25 mph could decrease serious injury risk by over one-third. The safest threshold appears to be around 15 mph, where the risk of serious injury drops to 10% or less.
As a pedestrian or motorist, you face various hazards on the road. Distracted and impaired driving, poor visibility and inadequate infrastructure all contribute to the risk of accidents. As larger vehicles dominate American roadways, understanding and addressing these safety concerns becomes increasingly important for protecting pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
