Research Shows SUVs Increase Risk of Serious Injuries to Pedestrians and Cyclists

A comprehensive new study reveals that SUVs and light truck vehicles (LTVs) pose significantly greater risks to pedestrians and cyclists compared to smaller passenger cars. Analyzing over 680,000 collision reports from the past 35 years, researchers found that injuries caused by SUVs are more severe, with a 44% higher likelihood of fatality overall. Children are particularly vulnerable; the chance of death when struck by an SUV or LTV is 82% greater than when hit by a smaller car, and for children under 10, the risk jumps to 130%.

SUVs, which include models like SUVs, small vans, and pickup trucks, are characterized by their taller, wider, and heavier profiles, which contribute to their increased danger in collisions. Their design often results in impacts higher on the body of pedestrians or cyclists, increasing the severity of injuries. Additionally, the blunt front ends of these vehicles make pedestrians more likely to be thrown onto the road or struck a second time, further escalating injury severity.

The study found that the odds of sustaining serious or fatal injuries are approximately 24-28% higher for pedestrians or cyclists struck by SUVs or LTVs compared to smaller passenger cars. This trend is consistent across different countries, including the US, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, suggesting that the increased danger posed by larger vehicles is a global issue.

With SUVs accounting for around 45% of new car sales in the US and 20% in Europe, their popularity has surged, leading to an increased impact at the population level. If all SUVs were replaced by traditional passenger cars, it could reduce pedestrian and cyclist fatalities by an estimated 17% in the US and 8% in Europe, with even larger reductions among children.

Experts highlight that the unique shape and size of SUVs, especially their tall front profile, contribute significantly to their danger. Children are more susceptible due to their shorter stature, making them more vulnerable to injuries from high-impact collisions. The increasing prevalence of large vehicles raises concerns about road safety and underscores the need for policy measures to limit their use in urban areas.

This research emphasizes that as the market for larger vehicles continues to grow, cities worldwide need to consider strategies to mitigate the associated risks, particularly for vulnerable road users like children, pedestrians, and cyclists.