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Impact of Vehicle Size on Pedestrian Safety in the U.S.

Recent research conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlights a troubling trend in pedestrian safety linked to the increasing prevalence of larger vehicles on American roads. The study examined data from over 200 crashes involving vehicles and pedestrians, revealing that the growing preference for tall SUVs and pickup trucks is exacerbating the risks of severe injuries in the event of an accident. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced when compared to pedestrian safety standards observed in Europe, where vehicles tend to be smaller.

The IIHS investigation centered on 202 crash incidents from 2015 to 2022 across four states, focusing on the relationship between impact speed and injury outcomes. The researchers also evaluated how the height of a vehicle’s front end contributes to pedestrian injury severity, reinforcing existing knowledge about speed and its critical role in crash outcomes.

According to IIHS President David Harkey, “Even a slight increase in crash speed can significantly elevate the danger to pedestrians. The growing number of tall SUVs and pickups in the U.S. has intensified this risk.” The study reiterates that higher impact speeds correlate strongly with greater injury risks for pedestrians, and vehicles with elevated front ends considerably enhance that danger.

The IIHS’s findings outline that while vehicle weight did not significantly influence pedestrian injury risk, the height of vehicles played a vital role. Vehicles with higher front ends tend to increase the chance of both moderate and severe injuries to pedestrians. For instance, a median-height pickup truck striking a pedestrian at 27 mph leads to an 83% chance of moderate injury and a 62% chance of serious injury, in stark contrast to a median-height car, which results in 60% and 30% chances, respectively.

Sam Monfort, a senior statistician at IIHS and the study’s lead author, noted, “In Europe, despite a rise in SUVs, the vehicle fleet has traditionally been dominated by cars, whereas in the U.S., the majority of vehicles are now SUVs or pickups. These preferences have tangible effects on pedestrian safety.” The organization emphasized that the implications of increased vehicle height are particularly pronounced when evaluating the risks associated with higher speeds in crashes.

Speed and Injury Risk Relationship

The study delineated how speed magnifies the risk of serious injury when tall vehicles are involved. Specifically, as crash speed escalates from 15 mph to 35 mph, the chance of serious injury jumps from 9% to 52% for median-height cars, but for median-height pickups, the risk skyrockets from 11% to 91%.

Pedestrian Fatalities and Trends

Notably, prior research by IIHS in 2022 identified that drivers of larger vehicles, especially when turning, were more likely to strike pedestrians than those in smaller cars. Another study indicated that pickups, SUVs, and vans with hoods taller than 40 inches were about 45% more likely to result in pedestrian fatalities compared to cars with lower profiles.

Despite these alarming trends associated with larger vehicles, the year 2023 marked a shift, witnessing a 5.4% decrease in pedestrian fatalities compared to 2022, which had seen a significant spike. However, even with this decline, the death rate remains 14.1% higher than pre-pandemic figures recorded in 2019, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Conclusion

The findings from the IIHS underscore the pressing need for greater awareness of pedestrian safety, particularly in the context of the increasing size and height of vehicles on U.S. roads. As policymakers, drivers, and communities seek solutions, understanding the interplay between vehicle design and pedestrian safety will continue to be critical in reducing the risk of serious injuries and fatalities.

Source
www.cbsnews.com