Study reveals higher pedestrian fatality rates associated with boxy SUVs and pickup trucks

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that vehicles with boxy front ends, especially tall ones, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, are more likely to kill pedestrians in accidents. The research revealed that vehicles with grille areas 40 inches tall or higher are 45% more likely to cause pedestrian fatalities. Even medium-height vehicles with box-shaped front ends are approximately 26% more likely to kill pedestrians. The study highlights the need for automakers to consider pedestrian safety in vehicle design by lowering the front end of the hood and angling the grille and hood to create a sloped profile.