It’s one thing to make a purchase fully aware of the dangers, but soooo many people have no idea about the risks of America’s most popular types of vehicles.

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BIGGER VEHICLES ARE DANGEROUS FOR VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

💀 Higher front-end geometry and blunt profiles

Vehicles with hood heights over 40 inches (common in modern SUVs and pickups) are about 45% more likely to cause pedestrian fatalities than cars with hoods 30 inches or lower and sloped fronts. The taller, more vertical "blunt" design strikes victims higher up on the body (often the torso, head, or pelvis rather than the legs), increasing the chance of being knocked down and run over instead of being pushed aside.

💀 Increased injury severity in crashes

Pedestrians and cyclists struck by SUVs or light trucks face 24–44% higher odds of serious injury or death compared to those hit by passenger cars. The effect is even stronger for fatalities (up to 44% higher overall, and 82% higher for children). Larger vehicles transfer more energy due to their mass and stiffness, leading to worse head, thorax, and neck injuries.

💀 Greater vehicle mass and weight

Heavier vehicles (often 1,000+ pounds more than cars) deliver higher impact forces, making even moderate-speed collisions more lethal. A 100 kg increase in average vehicle weight correlates with rising pedestrian fatality rates, and converting fleets toward light trucks amplifies this effect.

💀 Larger blind spots and reduced driver visibility

Taller hoods, thicker A-pillars, and elevated driving positions create bigger forward and side blind zones, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians or cyclists—especially children, wheelchair users, or people at intersections. Forward visibility in popular SUVs and trucks has worsened over time, contributing to more strikes during turns or low-speed maneuvers.

💀 Higher likelihood of striking vulnerable users during turns

Drivers of SUVs and pickups are substantially more likely (often 2–4 times the odds compared to cars) to hit pedestrians while turning at intersections. This is linked to visibility issues and the vehicle's size, which can obscure people crossing or standing near the road.

💀 Amplified risks at various speeds

Taller front ends compound the dangers of speed. Even at lower speeds (e.g., 20–35 mph), larger vehicles cause higher rates of moderate-to-serious injuries. At higher speeds, the fatality risk escalates faster for tall vehicles than for cars. A 4 inch increase in front-end height alone raises pedestrian fatality risk by around 22%.

💀 Particularly lethal to children

Young children face disproportionately higher risks (e.g., up to 8 times more likely to die when struck by an SUV versus a car) because the high bumper or hood often strikes them in the head or upper body, and they are more easily obscured in blind zones.

💀 Underride potential with large trucks/SUVs

Pedestrians or cyclists can be pulled underneath the vehicle due to the high clearance and rigid underbody, leading to catastrophic injuries from wheels or the undercarriage.