Various factors can potentially influence the severity of the injuries victims may sustain in a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident. The type and size of the vehicles involved in the collision are one of the most significant factors.
A recent study in the Journal of Safety Research confirms this. According to the study, “Effects of large vehicles on pedestrian and pedal-cyclist injury severity,” children who are struck by SUVs are eight times more likely to lose their lives than children who are struck by smaller passenger cars. Additionally, although pickup trucks were only involved in 5.6% of the pedestrian and cyclist accidents covered in the study, they were involved in 12.6% of all fatalities.
Research Shows Rising Pedestrian and Cyclist Death Rates May be Due to Increased Usage of SUVs and Pickup Trucks in the US
The researchers behind this study note that accidents claiming the lives of pedestrians and cyclists throughout the US have been on the rise since 2009. This increase in pedestrian and cyclist deaths correlates with an increase in the number of large vehicles on our country’s roads.
It’s easy to understand why accidents involving SUVs and pickup trucks are more likely to cause death or serious injury than other types of accidents. The larger the vehicle, the greater the force of impact. This is a logical conclusion. However, it is nevertheless helpful to have concrete data indicating that larger vehicles are contributing to higher rates of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.
The study also yielded some findings that may be more surprising. For example, according to this study, race plays a role in whether a pedestrian or cyclist is likely to be harmed or killed in an accident. Specifically, Black individuals are overrepresented in fatal pedestrian and cyclist crashes.
It is not clear yet why this is the case. Regardless, such findings indicate a need for researchers to look into the issue more closely. By identifying why members of a particular race are more likely than others to be harmed while walking or cycling, it may be possible to identify ways to address this problem.
Avoiding Pedestrian or Cyclist Accidents Involving SUVs and Pickup Trucks
Pedestrians and cyclists themselves can take steps to minimize their chances of losing their lives or being severely injured in accidents with larger vehicles. They include (but are not limited to):
- Obeying all rules of the road
- Wearing bright clothing, particularly at night
- Not using their phones when walking or cycling
- Choosing routes that allow them to avoid busy intersections and highways
Unfortunately, even if a pedestrian or cyclist is responsible and cautious, it is still possible for them to be hurt in an accident resulting from the negligence of another party. Perhaps this has already happened to you or a loved one.
You may be able to recover financial compensation for your medical bills and related losses if so. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our qualified Pittsburgh pedestrian accident and bicycle accident attorneys are on hand to help you pursue what you may be owed. Contact us online or call us at 888-98-TWINS(89467) to learn more about your legal options.