Why SUVs, minivans, and trucks hit pedestrians more often than other vehicles
Apr 19, 2022, 3:46 PM | Updated: Apr 20, 2022, 7:21 am
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
SUVs, pickups, vans, and minivans are substantially more likely than cars to hit pedestrians when making turns, according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The study suggests the pillars on the outside of the car, creating a blind spot, are potentially blocking a driver’s vision when looking left and right.
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“It’s possible that the size, shape or location of the A-pillars that support the roof on either side of the windshield could make it harder for drivers of these larger vehicles to see crossing pedestrians when they are turning,” said IIHS Senior Transportation Engineer Wen Hu.
According to Trooper Rick Johnson, King County has already seen six pedestrian accidents since January of this year.
The study’s data backs up their claim.
“At intersections, the odds that a crash that killed a crossing pedestrian involved a left turn by the vehicle versus no turn were about twice as high for SUVs, nearly three times as high for vans and minivans, and nearly four times as high for pickups as they were for cars,” the study reads.
“The odds that a crash that killed a crossing pedestrian involved a right turn by the vehicle were also 89 percent higher for pickups and 63 percent higher for SUVs than for cars. Such turning crashes accounted for more than 900 of around 5,800 fatal pedestrian crashes at or near U.S. intersections during 2014-18.”
You can read more on the study here
So what can drivers and pedestrians do to remain safe? “Keep your eyes up. Don’t be looking at your phone, whether you are driving or walking,” said Derek Wing, a spokesman for Pemco Insurance. “Make sure that the signal is on and reads ‘walk’ before you go. Also, drivers, pay extra attention when making left or right turns.”
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Another tip is don’t wear earbuds when driving, and if a pedestrian is wearing any, take them out before crossing the road.
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