Study reveals taller vehicles increase the risk of severe injuries to pedestrians (Shahzin Shajid – Unsplash)
A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has revealed that taller vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, significantly increase the risk of severe injuries to pedestrians during an impact.
The research analyzed 202 pedestrian-involved accidents and found that, in addition to higher speeds, the height of the vehicle’s front amplifies the severity of injuries. When speed increases from 24 km/h to 56 km/h, the risk of severe injury rises dramatically from 9% to 52%, reaching 91% when the vehicle is taller.
The study also suggests that the current speed limit of 40 km/h in residential areas may be excessive, considering the risks to pedestrians. In response, New York City announced a speed limit reduction to 32 km/h on certain streets, especially near schools and shared roads.
These findings confirm the results of a previous study, which indicated that vehicles with more vertical and rigid front ends are more dangerous to pedestrians.
The IIHS emphasizes that improving pedestrian safety will require a coordinated effort across various sectors of transportation, including changes in speed policies and vehicle design.
Source: Motor1.com | Photo: Unsplash | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
