Summary:
A recent study by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlights the role of vehicle height in pedestrian injury severity. While speed remains a significant factor, the study reveals that taller vehicles, such as SUVs and pickups, exacerbate the impact of crashes, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities even at lower speeds.
The study analyzed 202 pedestrian crashes with an average speed of 27 mph (43 km/h). Findings showed that vehicles with taller front ends, like pickups, increase the risk of moderate injuries from 60% to 83% and serious injuries from 30% to 62% at the same speed, compared to cars of median height. In Germany, where taller vehicles are less common, the data showed a lower injury risk, underscoring the impact of vehicle height.
Crash speed plays a critical role. At 20 mph (32 km/h), pedestrians have an 18% chance of serious injury and a 1% chance of fatality. However, at 50 mph (80 km/h), the fatality risk exceeds 80%. The study found that for taller vehicles, these risks increase significantly even at lower speeds. For example, at 35 mph (56 km/h), pickups present a 91% serious injury risk compared to 52% for cars.
The findings emphasize the need for policymakers to consider vehicle types when setting speed limits and designing pedestrian-friendly traffic measures. The IIHS recommends revisiting “safe” speed benchmarks, suggesting that even a 25-mph (40-km/h) limit may be too high in areas with heavy pedestrian activity.
Driving
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