Pickup trucks and SUVs have grown significantly in size, often towering over the pedestrians who share the road with them.
For example, one man shared a picture of himself standing next to a GMC Yukon. The man, who claimed to be 6’1” tall, noted that the Yukon’s hood reached his shoulders. This means the hood was likely between four and five feet tall.
While the man himself was still technically visible, this example highlights some of the problems posed by these oversized vehicles. Imagine that, instead of a 6’1” adult male, a child was in front of the vehicle—perhaps a child crossing the street on their way to school. They would be completely invisible to the driver, even if the driver was paying attention because the tall hood of the vehicle creates a massive blind spot.
Front-over accidents
One major issue with these large vehicles is that, in addition to creating significant blind spots for drivers, they tend to have flat or blunt front ends. If such a vehicle strikes a pedestrian—especially a child—the pedestrian is more likely to be knocked to the pavement, putting them at greater risk of being run over. In contrast, smaller vehicles with lower and more aerodynamic designs may knock a pedestrian onto the hood instead, which can reduce the severity of injuries.
This means that these larger vehicles both create the conditions for dangerous pedestrian accidents and increase the likelihood of severe or fatal injuries during a collision.
Despite these clear safety concerns, design trends in auto manufacturing continue to prioritize taller, wider and heavier vehicles. If you have lost a loved one or suffered serious injuries in a pedestrian accident, make sure you understand what legal options are available to you.