Since 2009, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States. They have gone up by 75%, according to recent reports.
These reports also look at the annual number of pedestrian fatalities that could have been avoided if it was not for changes to vehicle designs. They claim that anywhere from 200 to 400 additional pedestrians have passed away in these types of accidents every single year.
Why has this increase occurred?
There are likely multiple reasons for the increase in pedestrian accidents, but reports often focus on vehicle designs. They note that pickup trucks and SUVs have gotten much taller and heavier than they were in previous years. These oversized vehicles can inflict greater damage on pedestrians in accidents, and many of them have large, problematic blind spots.
For example, a modern pickup truck is much taller than a truck produced in the early 2000s, and it is more likely to have a flat or blunt front end, rather than a sloping hood. This can create a significant blind spot right in front of the truck. A pedestrian who is shorter than the front edge of the hood could be completely invisible to the driver, which can lead to accidents in parking lots, crosswalks or other areas where people are crossing the road.
The trend of larger pickup trucks and SUVs does not appear likely to reverse anytime soon, so it is important for pedestrians to know about the additional dangers they face due to these vehicle designs. Those who have lost loved ones also need to know what steps they can take to seek financial compensation.