US Pedestrian Deaths Jump 75% Since 2009 as Bigger SUVs and Pickups Raise Risks
Updated
Updated · The Drive · Jun 23
US Pedestrian Deaths Jump 75% Since 2009 as Bigger SUVs and Pickups Raise Risks
3 articles · Updated · The Drive · Jun 23
Summary
A new New York Times-IIHS analysis says U.S. pedestrian fatalities have risen 75% since 2009, with larger SUVs and pickups a significant driver of that increase.
About 200 to 400 deaths a year could have been avoided if vehicles had stayed roughly the same size, the study found—around 10% of the recent rise in pedestrian deaths.
Taller, heavier vehicles worsen crashes by striking pedestrians higher on the body and creating bigger blind spots, making it more likely victims are knocked under the vehicle.
The report ties the shift partly to post-2008 fuel-economy and emissions rules, including the footprint model, which gave automakers incentives to build larger vehicles.