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April 30, 2025 – A comprehensive new study has found that sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and light truck vehicles (LTVs) pose a significantly higher risk of death or serious injury to pedestrians and cyclists compared to traditional passenger cars. The research, conducted by teams at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Imperial College London, analyzed data from over 680,000 real-world collisions spanning the last 35 years.
Key Findings: SUVs and LTVs Far More Dangerous in Collisions
The study, published in the journal Injury Prevention, found that:
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Pedestrians and cyclists struck by an SUV or LTV are 44% more likely to be fatally injured than those hit by a smaller passenger car.
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Children are at even greater risk: A child hit by an SUV or LTV is 82% more likely to be killed than if struck by a passenger car. For children under 10, the risk increases by 130%.
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The likelihood of suffering a fatal or serious injury (as opposed to a minor one) is 24% higher in adults and 28% higher in children when struck by an SUV or LTV.
These findings were consistent across both pedestrians and cyclists, and across countries including the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, and France.
Why Are SUVs and LTVs More Dangerous?
Researchers point to the design of SUVs and LTVs as a key factor. These vehicles are typically taller, wider, and heavier than sedans or hatchbacks. Their taller and blunter front ends mean that, in a collision, pedestrians and cyclists are struck higher on the body-such as the pelvis or even the head for children-leading to more severe injuries. Additionally, the force and trajectory of impact often result in victims being thrown forward onto the road, increasing the risk of further injury from the vehicle.
Growing Popularity, Growing Risk
SUVs have surged in popularity worldwide, accounting for 48% of new car sales globally in 2023, up from just 15% in 2010. As these vehicles become more common, their impact on road safety is growing. The study estimates that if all SUVs in the U.S. were replaced by passenger cars, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in car crashes could drop by 17%, and by 27% for children.
Policy Implications
The findings come as many cities and countries are considering or implementing policies to discourage the use of large vehicles in urban areas. The study’s authors argue that the evidence strengthens the case for such measures, not only for environmental reasons but for public safety as well.
Anna Goodman, Assistant Professor at LSHTM and senior author of the study, noted, “The proliferation of larger vehicles threatens to undermine all the road safety gains being made on other fronts. Our study strengthens the road safety rationale for measures that discourage the use of these large vehicles.”
Study Limitations and Need for Further Research
The researchers acknowledge a limitation: the studies analyzed relied on manufacturers’ definitions of SUVs and LTVs, as there is no universal legal standard. They call for further research into the specific features that make these vehicles more dangerous to vulnerable road users.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the peer-reviewed journal Injury Prevention and summarized by Medical Xpress. While the findings are robust and fact-checked, they reflect the current state of research and may evolve as new data becomes available. Readers should consult the original publication and seek professional advice for policy or safety decisions. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
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