A new study links bigger vehicles to a sharp increase in pedestrian deaths over the last decade.
According to an article from The Associated Press published on Oregon Live, new research confirms that people driving larger vehicles are more likely to hit pedestrians while making turns.
A study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety blames vehicle size and design for rising pedestrian death rates. The study's authors point to the increased number of pedestrian deaths despite the reduction in driving during the pandemic. In 2020, pedestrian deaths were up 50 percent from 2009.
While the authors note the need for more research on the topic of vehicle design, they suggest that the front "A-pillars" of large SUVs and taller hoods create bigger blind spots that prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians. Data from North Carolina show that pickup trucks were 42 percent more likely to hit pedestrians than smaller cars during left turns, while SUVs had a 23 percent higher chance.
The report suggests improvements that automakers can make to improve safety, including smaller A-pillars made of lighter, stronger materials, design that pays more attention to sight lines, and automatic emergency braking.
FULL STORY: Pedestrians increasingly in peril from SUVs, larger vehicles, study says
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.
Study: Large SUVs Double Risk of Death for Children Under 10
New research from the United Kingdom reveals the higher risk of larger vehicles for pedestrians and cyclists.
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.
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.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Adaptive Reuse Will Create Housing in a Suburban Texas Strip Mall
A developer is reimagining a strip mall property as a mixed-use complex with housing and retail.
Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work
Research shows that punitive measures that criminalized unhoused people don’t help reduce homelessness.
In U.S., Urban Gondolas Face Uphill Battle
Cities in Latin America and Europe have embraced aerial transitways — AKA gondolas — as sustainable, convenient urban transport, especially in tricky geographies. American cities have yet to catch up.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont