Deadly consequences of SUV obsession: increased pedestrian and cyclist fatalities linked to poor front-view visibility, according to a recent research
In a recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it has been revealed that visibility for drivers in modern SUVs has significantly decreased compared to the 1990s. The study found that visibility for SUV drivers within a 10-meter radius declined by up to 58% over the past 25 years.
For instance, the 1997 Honda CR-V allowed drivers to see 68% of the area 10 meters in front, but this dropped to only 28% in the 2022 model. Similarly, the Chevrolet Suburban's visibility decreased from 56% to 28% over a comparable period. In contrast, sedans saw minimal visibility change, and the Ford F-150 truck, which already had poor visibility in 1997, experienced only a modest decrease (from 43% to 36%) [1][2][3][4].
This decline is primarily attributed to design changes in modern SUVs, such as higher hoods, larger side mirrors, and thicker A-pillars, which obstruct a greater portion of the driver's forward view. The IIHS expressed concern that this trend in fading visibility among SUVs may contribute to the recent rise in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities, as the diminished direct line of sight makes it more difficult for drivers to detect vulnerable road users close to their vehicle [1][2][3].
The study's new measurement technique provides a repeatable and practical way to assess driver visibility, a process that was previously cumbersome. This method may help further research into the connection between vehicle design, driver visibility, and crash risk [3].
The study analysed 17 vehicles across six nameplates, including the Honda CR-V, Toyota Camry, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Suburban, and Honda Accord. However, it did not specifically mention the Honda WR-V 2026, Ford Mustang Mach E, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Hyundai Venue, or Skoda Kylaq, which were listed as upcoming or available cars in the text [1][2][3].
As cars have grown larger and more stylized, visibility for their drivers has become harder, according to the study. The findings highlight the need for automakers to prioritize visibility design in their vehicles to ensure the safety of all road users.
[1] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). (2023). Study reveals decrease in visibility for SUV drivers. Retrieved from https://www.iihs.org/news/press/study-reveals-decrease-in-visibility-for-suv-drivers
[2] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2023). Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities on the rise. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-and-cyclist-safety
[3] Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). (2023). New method for assessing driver visibility unveiled. Retrieved from https://www.sae.org/news/new-method-for-assessing-driver-visibility-unveiled
[4] Consumer Reports. (2023). SUV visibility drops significantly since the '90s. Retrieved from https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suv-visibility-drops-significantly-since-the-90s/
- Despite the growth in size and style of modern cars, particularly SUVs, the study underscores the importance of automakers prioritizing visibility design to ensure road safety for all users.
- The Finance sector should consider the potential impact of decreased driver visibility in modern automotive designs, as it could lead to increased accidents, potential insurance claims, and potential financial losses.
- As the Transportation industry strives for innovation in vehicle designs, it's crucial to consider the implications on lifestyle, including the impact on road safety and the visibility of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
