CALIFORNIA – New research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that vehicles with especially tall and blunt front ends pose a higher risk to pedestrians, significantly increasing the likelihood of fatal injuries in collisions.
The study, which examined nearly 18,000 pedestrian crashes, found that pickups, SUVs, and vans with hoods taller than 40 inches were 45% more likely to cause fatal injuries compared to lower-profile cars with hood heights of 30 inches or less.
Among vehicles with mid-range hood heights (30-40 inches), those with a blunt front end were 26% more likely to result in pedestrian deaths than those with a sloped front.
IIHS researchers analyzed crash reports, vehicle measurements, and pedestrian injury patterns to determine how vehicle design impacts collision outcomes. They found that taller vehicles primarily cause severe head injuries, while blunt-front vehicles frequently inflict serious torso injuries. Pedestrians hit by these vehicles are more likely to be thrown forward rather than rolled onto the hood, increasing the severity of their injuries.
IIHS President David Harkey emphasized the study’s findings, noting that the increasing size and design of modern vehicles are directly contributing to pedestrian fatalities. Researchers urge automakers to rethink front-end designs to improve pedestrian safety, suggesting that lower hood heights and more angled grilles could help mitigate the risks.
“Pedestrian safety should be a priority for automakers, yet we’re seeing more fatalities linked to oversized SUVs and pickups with dangerous front-end designs,” said Ramin T. Montakab, personal injury attorney at RTM Law Firm. “When manufacturers prioritize aesthetics over safety, pedestrians pay the ultimate price. Victims and their families deserve accountability.”
