Taller, larger vehicles such as SUVs and pickup trucks cause more fatal pedestrian accidents than other motor vehicles, according to traffic safety experts. That's why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently suggested making proposed rule changes to prevent pedestrian accidents caused by these larger, taller vehicles.
"We have a crisis of roadway deaths, and it's even worse among vulnerable road users like pedestrians," NHTSA deputy administrator Sophie Shulman said in a statement published by National Public Radio (NPR) about the proposed rule changes.
SUVs and pickup trucks cause more pedestrian deaths
Accident statistics prove that SUVs, pickup trucks, and other larger multipurpose passenger vehicles cause more pedestrian fatalities than cars and smaller vehicles. For example, in 2022, pickup trucks, SUVs, and other larger passenger vehicles caused 49 percent of pedestrian fatalities compared to smaller cars, which caused 37 percent of pedestrian deaths the same year, according to the most recent NHTSA accident data.
Why do larger vehicles cause more pedestrian accidents?
There are three reasons why SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans cause more pedestrian accidents:
- Weight – These vehicles weigh more and often cause more serious pedestrian injuries or fatalities than smaller vehicles.
- Height – Vehicles with a hood over 40 inches tall are 45 percent more likely to cause a fatal pedestrian accident than vehicles with a 30-inch or less hood height, according to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study. A taller vehicle strikes "the pedestrian much higher in the torso region and tends to push the pedestrian forward and down," David Harkey, president of IIHS, said in an interview with NPR.
- Design—The shape of a vehicle's hood can significantly impact whether it causes a more serious pedestrian accident. Larger, taller vehicles with a blunt hood design versus a sloped hood design are 26 percent more likely to cause a pedestrian death, according to the IIHS study.
What are other common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Beyond the growing presence of larger, heavier vehicles on the road, several key factors frequently cause pedestrian accidents. These include:
- Speeding: Speeding remains one of the top causes of pedestrian accidents, leading to some of the most severe injuries and fatalities. The faster a vehicle travels, the less time a driver has to react and the harder the impact. Even a small increase in speed can be the difference between a minor injury and a fatal accident.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, and other distractions can easily take a driver's focus off the road, and in those few seconds, a life can be changed forever. Distracted drivers often fail to notice pedestrians until it's too late.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence is a major factor in pedestrian fatalities. In 2022, impaired driving contributed to nearly half of all pedestrian deaths, according to the NHTSA. Alcohol or drugs slow a driver's reaction time and make it harder to see and avoid pedestrians.
- Aggressive or Reckless Driving: Drivers who speed through intersections, fail to yield, or simply don't share the road with pedestrians create a recipe for disaster. These reckless behaviors are especially dangerous when pedestrians cross streets or walk alongside busy roads.
What changes are being proposed to protect pedestrians?
The NHTSA is stepping up to better protect pedestrians by pushing for new safety regulations that consider not only drivers but also people outside the vehicle. These proposed rules would require car manufacturers to factor pedestrians into mandatory safety tests during the design phase.
"This proposed rule will ensure that vehicles will be designed to protect those inside and outside from serious injury or death," Shulman said in a recent NHTSA press release about the proposed changes. "We will continue to work to make our roads safer for everyone and help protect vulnerable road users."
How bad are pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian fatalities have been climbing for decades, with 2022 marking the worst year in over 40 years. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 7,522 pedestrians lost their lives in 2022—the highest number since 1981.
In Maryland, the situation mirrors the national trend. For the past decade, pedestrian fatalities have risen almost every year. Alarmingly, the deadliest years for pedestrian deaths in Maryland were the most recent ones—2018 through 2022, according to NHTSA data.
Why should I hire a Maryland pedestrian accident attorney?
On the surface, a pedestrian accident claim might seem straightforward—a driver hit you or a loved one while you were walking. But the reality is often far more complex. Insurance companies representing the at-fault driver will try every trick in the book to reduce or deny your claim.
That's where we come in. At Goldberg Finnegan, our Maryland pedestrian accident lawyers know how to fight insurance companies. We've been winning these battles for years, with proven results, including a $1.5 million verdict for a motor vehicle accident injury victim.
If you want a law firm that will fight for you, contact Goldberg Finnegan. Schedule a free case evaluation with a pedestrian accident attorney who puts your needs first. Our main office is located in Silver Spring, and we proudly represent injury victims across Maryland.
"I was very pleased at the services this law firm provided. The attorneys were extremely knowledgeable, very responsive, and compassionate. I would definitely refer them to anyone. If I ever needed legal assistance again, I would go directly to them. Thank you!" — Akay G.