California residents may benefit from learning more about how larger pickup trucks are a danger to pedestrians. A number of recent studies have shown that the increase in the production of larger vehicles has resulted in an increase in pedestrian deaths. Several of the studies have correlated the recent increase in pedestrian deaths to the increasing number and size of larger vehicles on the road.
Pedestrians at risk in California
From 2009 through 2020, pedestrian deaths increased by 59 percent. In 2020, there were over 6,500 pedestrians killed and over 54,700 injured by car accidents. Due to the number of pedestrian accidents, uninsured drivers and DUIs, California ranks as one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. More than 970 pedestrians were killed in California during 2019, accounting for the highest total in the U.S. This is mainly due to the number of urban areas with high traffic volume.
Why larger vehicles are more dangerous
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, outsize vehicles like SUVs and large pickup trucks are more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents because it is harder for these motorists to see while turning. A senior transportation engineer attributes the blind spot to the shape, size and location of the A-pillar used to support the roof in these vehicles. Researchers found that pickup trucks were 89 percent more likely to kill a pedestrian while making a right turn.
Larger trucks in California
According to the study, large pickup trucks were four times more likely than a passenger car to kill a pedestrian while making a left turn. These vehicles were also more likely to hit pedestrians walking or running along the roadside. One study found that replacing larger vehicles with standard cars could’ve saved over 8,100 pedestrian lives between 2000 and 2019.
