A new study links significantly larger blind spots in modern vehicles, particularly SUVs and pickup trucks, to a more than 35% increase in pedestrian and cyclist deaths over the past 25 years.
Research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center reveals that visibility within a 10-meter radius has decreased by up to 58% in some popular SUV models. This reduction in sightlines is primarily attributed to design changes, including increased hood height, larger mirrors, and thicker pillars.
The study analyzed vehicle models produced between 1997 and 2023. These included common SUVs and pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford F-150, Honda CR-V, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
In contrast, passenger cars such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord experienced much smaller reductions in driver visibility, typically less than 8%.
The IIHS developed a novel measurement technique utilizing a 360-degree camera and specialized software. This method creates detailed blind spot maps for vehicles. The technique aims to allow for easy comparison of different models. It also helps to understand how vehicle design directly influences the risk of collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists.
Researchers issued a warning about the direct correlation identified between the widespread decrease in driver visibility and the rising fatalities among vulnerable road users.