New research from the United Kingdom reveals the higher risk of larger vehicles for pedestrians and cyclists.
A new study affirms the increased risk to pedestrians and cyclists posed by larger SUVs. According to an article by Ross Lydall in The Standard, the study from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London showed a 44 percent higher risk of death for people on foot or bike hit by “supersized” SUVs. The risk rose to 82 percent for children, and to 130 percent for children under 10.
“This means that pedestrians and cyclists will be struck higher up on their body (e.g. the pelvis not the knees for an adult, or the head not the pelvis for a child),” posing a higher risk of fatal injuries. People struck by large vehicles are also more likely to be thrown forward and struck again by the same car, Lydall adds. “The researchers estimated that the proportion of car crashes involving an SUV to be around 45 per cent in the USA and 20 per cent in Europe.”
In London, road deaths dropped from 102 to 95 between 2022 and 2023, but rose again to 110 in 2024, but Transport for London’s data does not indicate how many deaths were from SUV crashes.
FULL STORY: Supersize' SUV cars much more likely to cause fatal injury to cyclists and pedestrians, say researchers
Heavier Vehicles Don’t Keep Passengers Safer
A new study shows that modern safety features are more important than size and weight once vehicles weigh over 4,000 pounds.
Proposed NHTSA Rule Takes Aim at Dangerously Large Trucks and SUVs
Nearly half of pedestrians who died after being hit by the front of a vehicle were struck by SUVs or trucks.
GAO to Investigate How Vehicle Design Impacts Safety
A lax set of rules around vehicle size, height, and other factors is partly responsible for the alarming rise in pedestrian deaths in the United States.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie