Study: Trucks, SUVs involved in more pedestrian crashes than smaller cars in Hawaii – Hawaii News Now

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – New data shows trucks and SUVs are more likely to hit pedestrians than smaller cars.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that more than 6,500 pedestrians were killed in 2020. That number is up 59% since 2009.

The study compares that to the dramatic increase in the popularity of larger vehicles.

Back in 2009, trucks, SUVs and vans accounted for just under half of all new vehicle sales in the U.S. Now that figure is closer to 75%.

Data from the Hawaii Department of Transportation shows the breakdown of vehicles Involved in pedestrian crashes in our state: light trucks and SUVs are involved in 54% of fatal pedestrian accidents on our state’s roadways.

Passenger cars are involved in 30% of those fatal accidents.

Deputy Director of HIDOT’s Highways Division Ed Sniffen says that while larger vehicles can be more dangerous, any size car, truck or SUV can be deadly.

“You just have to understand when you’re driving a big vehicle, your small mistakes could turn into big consequences. Be very careful, practice in the vehicle and make sure that you understand you’re turning radius and the power of the vehicle so you can be safe,” said Sniffen.

The study suggests that the because larger vehicles need sturdier roofs in the event of a rollover crash they also need wider “A-Pillars” — the piece of medal that goes from your door and dash to the roof of your car.

Those larger pillars create a larger blind spot when operating the vehicle.

Another problem are truck and SUV hood heights. Data from the study shows those have risen 11% since 2000.

A portion of the research was conducted in North Carolina that shows compared to cars and pickups were 80% more likely to hit a pedestrian along the road. SUVs were 61% more likely and minivans were at 45%.

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