The dangers of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and light truck vehicles (LTVs) to pedestrians and cyclists have been highlighted in a new study conducted by researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Imperial College London. The study, published in Injury Prevention, analyzed over 680,000 collision data from the past 35 years to compare the severity of injuries sustained by individuals hit by SUVs or LTVs compared to those struck by passenger cars.
The research revealed that the likelihood of a pedestrian or cyclist being fatally injured is 44% higher if they are hit by an SUV or LTV than if they were struck by a smaller passenger car. For children, the risk is even higher, with a child hit by an SUV or LTV being 82% more likely to be killed than a child hit by a passenger car.
SUVs and LTVs are known to be taller, wider, and heavier than traditional passenger cars, making them more dangerous in the event of a collision. The study found that pedestrians or cyclists struck by an SUV or LTV suffered more severe injuries, with the odds of fatal injury increasing by 44% for people of all ages and by 82% for children. The increased risk is attributed to the taller and blunter profile of the front end of SUVs and LTVs, which can result in pedestrians or cyclists being struck higher up on their bodies, leading to more severe injuries.
The research also highlighted the impact of SUVs on a population level, with SUVs accounting for 45% of car crashes in the U.S. and 20% in Europe. If all SUVs were replaced with passenger cars, the number of pedestrians and cyclists killed in car crashes could decrease by 17% in the U.S. and 8% in Europe.
Elsa Robinson, an MSc Public Health student at LSHTM involved in the study, emphasized the need to address the dangers posed by SUVs and other large vehicles, especially to children. Anna Goodman, Assistant Professor at LSHTM and senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of implementing measures to discourage the use of these larger vehicles to improve road safety.
While the research provides valuable insights into the risks associated with SUVs and LTVs, further studies are needed to understand the unique characteristics of these vehicles and their impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety. The findings underscore the importance of addressing the growing popularity of SUVs globally and implementing measures to mitigate the risks they pose to vulnerable road users.
This study sheds light on the need for increased awareness and action to protect pedestrians and cyclists from the dangers of SUVs and LTVs on the road. By understanding the risks associated with these vehicles, policymakers and road safety advocates can work towards creating safer environments for all road users.
