Pedestrian collisions are typically the fault of those involved. Sometimes, pedestrians step out in front of oncoming traffic without checking their surroundings. Even attentive pedestrians are at risk of crashes caused by unsafe drivers.
Many motorists fail to properly watch for pedestrians, even at busy intersections. They could strike pedestrians due to their inattentiveness or their distraction. Vehicle design can also contribute to the likelihood of a major pedestrian collision occurring.
What design features increase the risk of pedestrian crashes?
1. Larger vehicles
Bigger vehicles, in general, are more dangerous for pedestrians. They generate more force even in low-speed collisions. The drastic increase in SUVs, vans, pickup trucks and crossover vehicles has increased the likelihood of pedestrians getting hurt.
2. Vertical front ends
When drivers largely operated sedans, the slanted hood that fell at the thigh for many adults prevented devastating knockdown crashes. Modern vehicles now tend to have taller hoods and more vertical front ends. Those design elements combined to increase the risk of a pedestrian getting knocked down and striking their head on the pavement.
3. Smaller windshields
As vehicles have gotten bigger, windshield sizes have had to shrink slightly in comparison to the overall size of the vehicle. Doing so reduces the likelihood of the windshield shattering and injuring vehicle occupants in a collision scenario. Unfortunately, smaller windshields mean bigger blind spots and more pedestrian crashes.
Even if a vehicle’s design contributed to a pedestrian crash, the driver involved may also be liable. Identifying factors that contributed to a car-pedestrian collision either way can help people evaluate their options for seeking compensation for their injuries.