SUVs: 44% higher risk for cyclists and pedestrians in the event of accidents!

SUVs: 44% higher risk for cyclists and pedestrians in the event of accidents!

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 26 scientific studies shows alarming results about the danger of SUVs, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. According to dolomitenstadt.at , cyclists and pedestrians have a 44 percent higher risk of dying, compared with normal Car. In children under the age of ten, the risk of mortality is even increased by 82 percent. This analysis is based on data from over 680,000 accidents in the past 35 years and reveals worrying statistics.

The investigation also shows that the likelihood of fatal injuries for all age groups recorded by an SUV is increased by 44 percent. The risk of adult pedestrians is 24 percent, while children, especially those under the age of ten, experience a 48 percent higher risk. These frightening statistics throw a light on the basic design features of SUVs, which are often wider, higher and heavier than conventional cars.

accident statistics and viewing problems

The increased risk from SUVs is also supported by its construction. The higher and blunt front parts ensure that pedestrians and cyclists are hit higher on the body, which leads to serious injuries. The analysis of the t-online.de The accident statistics for killed pedestrians in road traffic increase dramatically. Between 2009 and 2020 an increase in pedestrian accidents by 51 percent was recorded.

A central problem is the driver's view. The A-pillars of the SUVs severely restrict the field of vision, which can easily "disappear" pedestrians. Pedestrians are particularly at risk in turning situations because the risk of accidents with an SUV is 23 percent higher than in smaller vehicles. In other situations, too, the risk of driving a pedestrian is increased by 61 percent for SUVs.

criticism and tragic accidents

The increasing number of new SUVs on the streets is also viewed critically. According to Zeit.de were already 30 percent of new cars SUVs in 2024. Tragic accidents illustrate the problem: In October 2024 in Esslingen, a mother and her two children died from an SUV accident, while in June two women were hit by an SUV in the Stuttgart area. Both accidents have rejected the discussion about the danger of SUVs for other road users.

Although progress in the security of cars have improved pedestrian protection, the feeling of security of the inmates of SUVs seems to go at the expense of other road users. The statistics are often opaque, and the role of the driver remains an important factor in the development of these serious accidents.