The size of an average vehicle in the United States has increased noticeably in recent years. Long gone are the days when most people drove basic sedans. Larger vehicles dominate the modern roads. Many motorists now operate pickup trucks, minivans, SUVs and crossover vehicles.
These larger vehicles are attractive to motorists in part because they are safer. Larger vehicles tend to provide better protection for occupants in the event of a collision. They have a greater ability than smaller vehicles to absorb the force of impact and often have robust safety systems, such as side-impact airbags.
However, bigger vehicles are more of a danger to others when a crash occurs. That is especially true in scenarios involving collisions between vehicles and pedestrians. The trend toward larger vehicles is likely one of the reasons why more fatal pedestrian crashes have occurred in recent years.
Why bigger vehicles are more dangerous
There are several reasons why bigger vehicles are more dangerous for pedestrians. The first and perhaps most obvious reason that bigger vehicles are dangerous for pedestrians is that they generate more momentum while in motion. Heavier vehicles deliver more force even in a low-speed collision and can knock pedestrians to the ground quite violently.
They can also be dangerous because they give drivers an inflated sense of confidence which makes them less observant in some cases. Additionally, the design of larger vehicles can make them more dangerous to pedestrians.
Research has found that taller vehicles with more vertical front ends are more likely to cause fatal pedestrian crashes. The trend toward smaller windshields for the protection of vehicle occupants may also increase the blind spots around a vehicle.
All of those factors combined can lead to collisions where pedestrians are at risk of life-altering or deadly injuries. When drivers strike pedestrians, the people affected by the collision may need to pursue an insurance claim. Other times, a lawsuit may be the only way to recover the expenses generated.
Being aware of how larger passenger vehicles increase pedestrian crash risk can help those walking near vehicles stay safer. With that said, those involved in or affected by pedestrian collisions may need help holding the driver at fault accountable, and that’s okay.
