Are SUVs Fueling the Pedestrian Fatality Surge?
April 18, 2025- Categories: Car Accidents
If the news reports are right, it comes down to this: Walk at your own risk. Walking is great for your health and for the environment, but, as you may have discovered, busy roads and absent or inadequate sidewalks can put you at risk of serious injury or even death. There’s no singular factor that can be blamed for the recent surge in pedestrian fatalities. However, there’s one that’s often overlooked: the SUV. Are SUVs the driving force behind the seemingly endless increase in pedestrian deaths? Here’s a closer look.
In California and the rest of the country, the roads are more dangerous for pedestrians than they have been in decades. Many people point to poor road design and driver distraction as culprits, but research suggests that SUVs and other larger vehicles play a role.
Pedestrian Deaths Are at a 40-Year High
Our Roads Are Becoming More Dangerous
Any car accident lawyer can tell you that the roads are dangerous for pedestrians. But now they’re more dangerous than they’ve been in decades. In the year 2022 — the most recent year with complete federal crash data — 7,522 people were struck and killed while walking. That’s the highest pedestrian death toll in 40 years. Unfortunately, it’s not a surprise. Pedestrian deaths have been on the rise:
- 2021: 7,388
- 2020: 6,565
- 2019: 6,272
- 2018: 6,374
- 2017: 6,075
- 2016: 6,080
- 2015: 5,494
- 2014: 4,910
- 2013: 4,779
- 2012: 4,818
- 2011: 4,457
- 2010: 4,302
Crashes involving pedestrians have become more deadly than ever. Many involve SUVs, large pickup trucks, and other large vehicles that lead to more serious personal injuries and fatalities. Of course, SUVs aren’t the only factor driving the alarming increase in pedestrian deaths — smartphone use and other kinds of distracted driving can also prove to be deadly. However, a close look at the research shows you that SUVs pose unique risks to pedestrians.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a pedestrian accident, call us at 888-407-2955 for a free consultation.
Are SUVs More Dangerous to Pedestrians?
Tall Vehicles Pose a Threat
Recent research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that SUVs and trucks with hood heights greater than 40″ are 45% more likely to cause fatal pedestrian accidents than shorter vehicles. Experts at the Institute noted that part of the reason that SUVs are causing more deaths is their design. SUVs usually have a higher front end with less of a slope than that of a typical passenger car. This kind of design is deadly for two reasons. The tall hood makes it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians who are immediately in front of them, and the lack of slope makes it more likely that pedestrians will be knocked to the ground. Pedestrian knockdowns usually cause more injuries (and especially crush injuries) than being rolled onto the hood or windshield.
The number of bigger SUVs on the road today with more weight and vertical design are major factors in the number of pedestrian fatalities. Also, there are higher numbers of SUVs in suburban areas, which is probably a major factor in the higher number of fatalities.
It is possible to make streets safer for pedestrians while still allowing traffic to move smoothly. Experts say there are steps that could be taken to reduce the number of pedestrian deaths, such as installing beacons activated by pedestrians to alert the driver to stop, more median crossing islands, more sidewalks, and curb extensions. They say that good road and sidewalk design should make a priority the safety of all users of the road, including pedestrians. However, no matter how safe the roadways may be, there’s always a chance that a driver will hit a pedestrian without meaning to. If incidents do occur, a wrongful death lawyer can help families seek justice.
Even if a pedestrian accident does not lead to loss of life, serious injury is highly likely, including broken bones, concussion and/or brain trauma, spinal injuries, lacerations, and internal organ damage.
Did You Lose a Loved One In a Pedestrian Accident? Talk to an Attorney Now
There are more vehicles on the road today, and people are more distracted than ever. If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, our team understands the emotional and financial devastation that you face. No amount of compensation can heal your injuries or bring back a loved one, but financial support can help cover expenses and give you a sense of financial security as you heal.
Neale & Fhima, a leading vehicle accident lawyer, can help you to obtain compensation from the responsible party for your pain and suffering, funeral expenses, lost income, and more. We have law offices serving Los Angeles and Orange counties. Call 888-407-2955 for a free consultation.
Attorney Aaron Fhima
Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights. [ Attorney Bio ]
