Analysis: Bigger cars are responsible for 10% of increase in pedestrian deaths

A New York Times analysis confirms that larger vehicles are an important factor in the surge in pedestrian deaths in the United States. 

The article, written by Michael H. Keller, Eli Murray, Danielle Ivory and Irineo Cabreros, explains that, based on their analysis of industry records, "Our estimate is that about 200 to 400 pedestrians a year would not have died if vehicles had remained approximately the same size over the past quarter-century."

As the authors explain, larger vehicles have taller hoods and larger blind zones, factors that put people outside the car in more danger. Drivers are less likely to see them, and if they get struck, they are more likely to have more severe injuries. According to the analysis, a person who is 5'6" tall is likely to be knocked down by 48% of today's vehicles. In 2002, that number would have been 33%.

The analysis also used 3D models to show how blind spots have grown. On a Chevy Silverado truck, blind zones have nearly doubled since the 1990s.

See the source article for interactive illustrations of how vehicle sizes have changed over time.