The Deadly Rise of Giant Trucks and S.U.V.s

Key Points:

• Since 2009, pedestrian deaths in the U.S. have increased by about 75 percent, a trend not seen in most other wealthy countries, puzzling researchers and prompting investigation into various causes beyond distracted or drunk driving.
• The rise of larger vehicles, particularly pickups and SUVs with taller hoods and bigger blind spots, has been identified as a significant factor contributing to pedestrian fatalities, estimated to account for about 10 percent of the increase, or 200 to 400 deaths annually.
• Larger vehicles often have hoods exceeding the average pedestrian’s center of gravity, increasing the risk of severe injuries by striking pedestrians higher on the body and creating larger blind zones that obstruct drivers’ views, as confirmed by crash tests and 3D sightline analyses.
• Automakers emphasize advanced pedestrian detection and automatic braking technologies to improve safety, but experts caution these systems are not foolproof and cannot fully replace direct driver visibility, especially under challenging conditions like bad weather or uneven terrain.
• The popularity and profitability of large SUVs and pickups have driven automakers to prioritize these vehicles, often marketed with themes of power and safety, while regulatory agencies have been slow to address the pedestrian safety risks posed by vehicle size and design changes.