As SUVs have become increasingly popular, concerns have arisen regarding highway safety found the impact these larger vehicles can have on pedestrian safety. Pedestrian deaths involving SUVs have been on the rise in recent years, leading to calls for increased safety measures for passenger vehicles. In this article, we'll explore the factors contributing to this trend, the risks posed by smaller vehicles, what SUVs pose to pedestrians, and what can be done to mitigate these risks.
Introduction
Pedestrian safety in motor vehicle crashes is a critical concern in urban areas, and the rise of SUVs has complicated the issue. While SUVs have many benefits for drivers car occupants, their large size and design features pose significant risks to pedestrians. In this article, we'll explore the factors contributing to the rise in pedestrian deaths involving SUVs, examine the design of these vehicles, common pedestrian crashes points and discuss safety measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks.
What is an SUV? Are SUVs Pickup Trucks?
Sport Utility Vehicles, or SUVs, are a vehicle type of of vehicle that is larger and taller than a typical car pickup truck. SUVs typically have a higher center of gravity than larger vehicles, making them more prone to rollovers, and their size and weight can make them more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces than small cars or vans. SUVs are also popular for their cargo space and towing capabilities.
The Rise of SUVs
SUVs have become increasingly popular car buyers in recent years, with increasing popularity of many drivers opting for these vehicles over traditional cars. According to consumer reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), SUVs accounted for 29% of all vehicle sales in 2019, up from 14% of car, in the past decade to 2009.
Pedestrian Deaths and SUVs: The Statistics
Unfortunately, the rise in popularity of SUVs has been accompanied by a rise in pedestrian deaths involving these vehicles. According a pillars to new study more research done to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths involving SUVs increased by 69% between 2013 and 2018, while pedestrian deaths involving passenger cars increased by only 46% over the same period.
Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Deaths Involving SUVs
Several factors contribute to the increased risk of crash and pedestrian deaths in crashes involving SUVs. One factor is the size and weight of these two vehicles involved in the crash and pedestrian fatalities and crashes. SUVs are larger and heavier than traditional passenger cars, which can result in more severe injuries in a crash in the event of a collision with a car or a pedestrian.
Another factor in traffic deaths kill pedestrians is the design of SUVs. Many SUVs have a higher front end, which can make it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians in front of them. This design also means that pedestrians are more likely to be hit in the head or upper body in the event of a collision, which can result inmore severe injuries or fatalities.
Additionally, SUVs are much larger vehicles often designed with a more aggressive style, including a higher hood and grille. This can create a psychological effect on the driver, giving them a feeling of invincibility, which can lead to more reckless driving behavior.
The Design of SUVs and Pedestrian Safety
The design of SUVs pickup trucks plays a significant role in pedestrian safety. One such vehicle design feature that can help reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents is a lower front end. When the front end of the vehicle is lower, it's easier for drivers to see pedestrians in front of them, and the risk of severe injury is reduced if a collision does occur.
Another design feature that researchers say can improve crash and pedestrian safety on big vehicles is the addition of pedestrian detection and automatic braking systems. These systems use sensors to detect pedestrians in front of the vehicle and automatically apply the car to brakes if a collision is imminent. While these systems are not yet standard on all SUVs, they are becoming more common as automakers recognize the importance of pedestrian safety.
Safety Measures to Mitigate the Risks
Several safety measures can be taken to mitigate the risks of more serious pedestrian injuries and fatalities in accidents involving SUVs. One measure is to improve the infrastructure of urban areas. This can include adding crosswalks, sidewalks, and bike lanes, as well as reducing speed limits in high-pedestrian areas.
Another measure to kill pedestrians is to improve the visibility of pedestrians crossing pedestrian only. This can include wearing bright or reflective clothing, using lights when walking at night, and avoiding distractions such as cell phones while crossing the street.
Drivers of large vehicles can also take steps to reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents involving their very large SUVs pickup trucks. These steps include driving at slower speeds in urban areas, being vigilant for pedestrians at all times, and avoiding distractions while driving.
The Role of Government and Automakers in Pedestrian Safety
Both the government and automakers have a role to play in improving pedestrian safety. The government can pass laws requiring automakers to improve the safety features of SUVs, as well as invest more money in infrastructure improvements to make urban areas safer for pedestrians.
Automakers can also take steps to improve the safety of SUVs. This and other features can include designing vehicles with lower front ends and adding pedestrian detection and automatic braking systems as standard features.
The Importance of Education and Awareness
Education and awareness among road users strike pedestrians are also critical components in improving pedestrian safety. Pedestrians should be educated on safe walking practices, including the importance of using crosswalks and avoiding distractions while crossing the street.
Drivers should also be educated on the risks posed by SUVs to pedestrians and how to drive safely in urban areas. Awareness campaigns can help to increase public knowledge of these risks and encourage safer driving and walking practices.
The Future of SUVs and Pedestrian Highway Safety
As SUVs continue to grow in popularity, it's essential to prioritize pedestrian safety across a pillars of vehicle types. Automakers are already taking steps to improve the safety of these vehicles, and as technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more safety features added to SUVs in the future.
Additionally, continued investment in infrastructure improvements and education and awareness campaigns can help to reduce the number of pedestrian deaths involving SUVs.
Conclusion
The rise in SUVs has posed significant risks to pedestrian safety. However, by prioritizing safety features and infrastructure improvements, we can reduce the number of pedestrian deaths involving SUVs. Education and awareness are also critical components in improving pedestrian safety, and both the government and automakers have a role to play in making our roads safer for everyone.
Georgia Auto Law may be able to help a person who has been injured in a pedestrian accident by providing legal representation and guidance throughout the claims process. This may include investigating the accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing the injured person in court if necessary. An experienced attorney can also help the injured person understand their legal rights and options, including the possibility of pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident. The goal of Georgia Auto Law and other personal injury attorneys is to help their clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially from the impact of a pedestrian accident.
FAQs
FAQ #1: What makes SUVs smaller cars more dangerous to hit pedestrians with than big cars, pickup truck or other vehicles?
SUVs are larger and heavier than traditional passenger cars, which researchers say can result in more crashes and more severe injuries in the event of a collision with a pedestrian walking apedestrian. Additionally, SUVs are often designed with a higher hood and grille than smaller cars, which researchers found can make it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians in front of them.
FAQ #2: Can pedestrian detection systems help reduce the risk of accidents involving SUVs?
Yes, pedestrian detection systems can help reduce the risk of accidents involving cars and SUVs. These systems use sensors to detect pedestrians in front of the vehicle and automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent.
FAQ #3: Are there any safety measures that pedestrians can take to reduce the risk of accidents involving SUVs pickup trucks?
Yes, pedestrians can take several safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents involving SUVs. This includes wearing bright or reflective clothing, using lights when walking at night, and avoiding distractions such as cell phones while crossing the street.
FAQ #4: What role do automakers play in improving pedestrian safety?
Automakers have a significant role to play in improving pedestrian safety. They can design vehicles with lower front ends and add pedestrian detection and automatic braking systems as standard features.
FAQ #5: What is the future of SUVs and pedestrian safety?
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more safety features added to SUVs in the future. Additionally, continued investment in infrastructure improvements, highway safety, and education and awareness campaigns can help to reduce the number of serious pedestrian crashes and deaths involving SUVs.