The Deadly Combination of Speed and Height
Imagine stepping into a crosswalk, confident that an approaching driver sees you, only to be struck by a towering SUV whose driver never even noticed you in their blind zone. As modern vehicles grow larger and heavier, pedestrian fatalities have surged at an alarming rate. In the past decade alone, pedestrian deaths have increased by more than 60%, with SUVs and pickup trucks playing a major role. Their sheer size and design make them far deadlier in crashes.
At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers, we have seen the devastating consequences of these accidents firsthand. The victims and their families suffer immeasurable loss, and holding negligent drivers accountable is essential. Not just for justice, but for safer roads.
Speed is deadly, but so is vehicle height. Studies confirm that the faster a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the more severe the injuries. However, research now shows that tall, high-front-end vehicles compound this danger. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), SUVs and pickup trucks, designed with large, blunt front ends, are significantly more likely to cause catastrophic injuries or death in pedestrian crashes.
David Harkey, President of the IIHS, explains:
“The vehicle is striking the pedestrian much higher in the torso region and tends to push the pedestrian forward and down. The result is more severe injuries and, more often than not, a higher likelihood of head trauma.”
SUVs and trucks aren’t just bigger. They’re more dangerous to those on foot. And when drivers fail to exercise caution, the consequences can be life-altering.
How Vehicle Design Endangers Pedestrians
Today, SUVs and light trucks dominate the U.S. auto market, with many featuring front-end heights exceeding 40 inches. Over the past 30 years, passenger vehicles have grown significantly. They are wider, longer, taller, and nearly 1,000 pounds heavier. While these design changes improve safety for drivers and passengers, they come at a deadly cost to pedestrians.
Experts warn that current vehicle designs make roads far more dangerous for those on foot. Wen Hu, Senior Research Transportation Engineer at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), stresses that manufacturers could reduce pedestrian risks by redesigning vehicles with lower, sloped front ends rather than the towering, block-like structures that offer no functional crash-performance benefits. The urgency of this crisis is clear. Sophie Shulman, Deputy Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), emphasized the stakes in a recent statement announcing new safety regulations:
“We have a crisis of roadway deaths, and it’s even worse among vulnerable road users like pedestrians. This proposed rule will ensure that vehicles will be designed to protect those inside and outside from serious injury or death.”
Without meaningful changes to vehicle design, pedestrian fatalities will continue to rise. Holding manufacturers and drivers accountable is critical to making our roads safer for everyone.
The Deadly Impact of Vehicle Height on Pedestrian Injuries
A detailed study by the International Center for Automotive Medicine Pedestrian Consortium analyzed 121 pedestrian crashes, confirming that vehicle height plays a critical role in injury severity. The findings are alarming:
• Vehicles taller than 35 inches are significantly more likely to cause severe head injuries.
• Blunt, vertical front ends increase the risk of devastating torso and internal injuries by forcefully pushing pedestrians forward.
• Sloped front ends reduce the severity of impact by rolling pedestrians onto the hood rather than striking them head-on.
• Children face extreme risk, as their smaller stature places their head and torso directly in the impact zone of taller vehicles.
Taller vehicles, particularly those with flat, blocky front ends, not only obstruct drivers’ views of nearby pedestrians but also inflict more severe injuries upon impact.
Severe Head Injuries: The rising height and blunt design of modern SUVs and trucks have drastically increased the likelihood of life-threatening head injuries. In a collision, a pedestrian’s head is far more likely to strike the rigid, unforgiving surface of a high front end—often with fatal consequences.
Torso and Hip Injuries: The study also reveals a troubling pattern: taller vehicles with vertical front ends tend to strike pedestrians higher on the body, causing severe injuries to the torso and hips. These impacts directly endanger vital organs and the skeletal structure, often leading to long-term or permanent health issues.
The Unique Danger to Children: Children are particularly vulnerable. Their shorter height places their head and torso squarely in the most dangerous impact zone of tall vehicles, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic or fatal injuries.
The Deadly Reality of “Low Speed” Crashes
Many assume that pedestrian crashes at lower speeds are survivable, but research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tells a different story. The risk of serious injury remains 10% or lower only at speeds up to 15 mph. This is far lower than most speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas. In residential neighborhoods, where limits are typically 25 mph or higher, the risk of severe or fatal injuries rises sharply, especially when large SUVs and trucks are involved.
Without urgent changes to vehicle design and speed regulations, pedestrian deaths will continue to climb. Safer streets demand accountability. Not just from automakers, but from the drivers who operate these increasingly dangerous vehicles.
How South Carolina Law Treats Pedestrian Accidents
In a recent blog, we explored the question: Runner vs. Road: Who’s to Blame in a South Carolina Pedestrian Accident? South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning that even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, they can still recover damages, as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident.
This is why having an experienced attorney matters. At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers, we know how to investigate liability, gather critical evidence, and challenge the defense tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny claims.
The statistics paint a grim picture. South Carolina ranks as the third most dangerous state for pedestrians, with 878 pedestrian fatalities reported between 2018 and 2022, according to Smart Growth America’s Dangerous by Design report. The state’s pedestrian fatality rate is a staggering 64.6% higher than the national average and 101% above the national median, making it one of the deadliest places for pedestrians in the country.
Certain metro areas are especially hazardous. Charleston-North Charleston ranks as the ninth most dangerous metro area for pedestrians, while Columbia is also listed among the nation’s 15 deadliest cities.
These statistics aren’t just numbers - they represent lives lost and families devastated. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, understanding your rights is crucial. We’re here to fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve.
Legislative Efforts to Improve Pedestrian Safety
Recognizing the urgent need for stronger pedestrian protections, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed new vehicle design regulations aimed at reducing the severity of pedestrian crashes. These changes would require automakers to:
• Implement crash test procedures that simulate head-to-hood impacts to minimize head trauma.
• Adopt pedestrian protection standards similar to those already enforced in Europe and Asia.
Beyond regulatory efforts, legislative action is also underway. In August 2024, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) introduced the Pedestrian Protection Act, a bill designed to address the rising dangers posed by SUVs and trucks. If passed, the law would require NHTSA to establish:
• Minimum visibility standards to reduce dangerous blind zones.
• Restrictions on excessive vehicle height and hazardous hood designs.
• Pedestrian safety ratings displayed on vehicle stickers at dealerships.
While automakers may resist these reforms, public support and legislative pressure are critical to making roads safer. Advocates encourage concerned citizens to contact their representatives and demand action to ensure pedestrian safety becomes a national priority in future transportation policy.
The Role of Personal Injury Lawyers in Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian accident victims often suffer catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and lost wages. When a negligent driver, especially one behind the wheel of a towering SUV or truck, causes a crash, holding them accountable is essential not just for the victim, but for the safety of all road users.
At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers, we fight for injured pedestrians across South Carolina. Our firm has the experience, resources, and determination to:
• Thoroughly investigate pedestrian accidents to establish fault and liability.
• Hold drivers and manufacturers accountable for unsafe vehicle designs and reckless driving.
• Pursue the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Key Evidence in a Pedestrian Accident Investigation: A thorough investigation is essential in determining fault and securing compensation in a pedestrian accident case. Key evidence includes:
1. Traffic Collision Report
2. Photographic & Video Evidence
3. Vehicle Damage Analysis
4. Medical Evidence & Injury Documentation
5. Witness Statements
Collecting this evidence is critical to proving negligence and maximizing compensation for injured pedestrians. At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers, we build strong cases to ensure victims receive the justice they deserve.
Take Action Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t face the legal process alone. We offer a free consultation to answer your questions and explain your legal rights. And with our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
The evidence is clear: Taller vehicles are dangerous to pedestrians. Safety regulations and legal standards must evolve to reflect this reality. Until then, we remain relentless in our fight for injured pedestrians and their families.
📞 Call Palmetto State Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Let us help you seek justice and hold negligent drivers accountable.
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