How Should Vehicle Designs Be For Pedestrian Safety?
A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Road Safety (IIHS) revealed that vehicles with high front designs and straight lines cause more fatal damage to pedestrians in possible accidents. According to the research, such vehicles increase the risk of injury and death compared to vehicles with more rounded hood height and front design.
How Do Vehicle Designs Affect Pedestrians?
IIHS conducted this research by examining nearly 18.000 different crashes involving a single pedestrian, including passenger cars, pickups and SUVs. According to the data collected; Vehicles with a hood height higher than 40 inches (101 cm) cause 30% more severe damage than vehicles with a height of up to 76 inches (45 cm) and a rolled nose. Also, according to the research; Vehicles with a hood height between 30-40 inches (76-101 cm) and a flat front design increase the risk of injury.
The results of the research show that vehicle designs have a major impact on pedestrian safety. Especially vehicles with high front designs and straight lines cause more damage to the head, chest and hip areas. This causes pedestrian deaths to increase.
How Can Vehicle Designs Be Improved?
IIHS President David Harkey called on automakers to improve vehicle designs. Harkey said, “The vehicles we encounter while walking on the pedestrian crossing today are quite scary. "Vehicles with an aggressive look when you look at them from the front really cause more damage." said.
Harkey said that they could significantly reduce the damage by designing the hood and front grille of the vehicles more inclined. He also stated that the large and flat elements in the front design had no functional benefit. Harkey said, “Clearly, increasing the size of vehicles costs the lives of citizens. “We encourage automobile manufacturers to review the design of SUV and pickup models and find new solutions.” said.