Vehicle size increases pose rising risks to pedestrian safety

The increasing size, height, and weight of newly sold vehicles are posing significant risks to pedestrian safety globally. Analyses from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) and Transport & Environment (T&E) highlight a growing trend in the mass and dimensions of vehicles across both sides of the Atlantic.

In the United States, the prevalence of larger SUVs and pickup trucks is linked to between 200 and 400 pedestrian deaths annually. Data indicates that between 2016 and 2024, at least 3,000 pedestrian fatalities were associated with the rising height of vehicle hoods. Research suggests that every 2.54-centimeter increase in hood height raises the probability of a pedestrian fatality by 2.8 percent.

In Europe, similar trends are projected to have severe consequences. If current patterns continue, an estimated 2,600 vulnerable road users, including 79 children, could lose their lives between 2026 and 2040. There are also concerns regarding EU-US trade negotiations, as adopting more lenient American safety standards could flood the European market with heavier, less regulated SUVs.