How Oversized Trucks and SUVs Are Driving a Surge in Pedestrian Deaths
By
Michael H. Keller, Eli Murray, Danielle Ivory, Irineo Cabreros
Summary
A Times investigation reveals that the growing size of trucks and SUVs on American roads is a major factor behind a 75% surge in pedestrian deaths since 2009. While other wealthy countries have not seen similar increases, the U.S. trend toward ever-larger vehicles has made crashes more deadly, with taller front ends and greater weight causing more fatal injuries to pedestrians. The article examines how regulatory loopholes, automaker incentives, and consumer preferences have driven this shift, and how pedestrian fatalities have become a public health crisis that has received far less attention than distracted or drunk driving.
Source
Hacker NewsHow Oversized Trucks and SUVs Are Driving a Surge in Pedestrian Deathsnytimes.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledThe surge in pedestrian deaths has baffled researchers. Most other wealthy countries haven't seen similar increases, suggesting that possible culprits like smartphones don't tell the whole story.
The trend toward ever-larger vehicles has received far less attention from the public and policymakers than other causes of deadly crashes.
When a vehicle is taller and heavier, it is more likely to cause fatal injuries in a collision with a pedestrian.
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