Pickup Trucks Are 4X More Likely to Kill Pedestrians While Turning Than Regular Vehicles. Here’s Why.

5 min read time
Statistics Show Pickup Trucks Are Four Times More Likely to Kill Pedestrians While Turning - truck

Pickup trucks are iconic in American culture, synonymous with power, utility, and adventure. Yet, beneath their rugged exterior lies a troubling safety concern—pickup trucks are significantly more likely to fatally injure pedestrians, especially while turning, compared to smaller passenger vehicles. 

In fact, a recent study revealed that these larger vehicles are up to four times more likely to kill pedestrians during turning maneuvers.

In urban areas where pedestrian traffic is high, including cities like Tampa, Orlando, and Miami, the increased risk posed by pickup trucks is alarming. As these vehicles grow in size and popularity, understanding their dangers—and how to prevent accidents—is important for keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Despite our best efforts, however, accidents can and do happen. If someone else caused an accident where you were injured, you have legal options—and you don’t have to face this alone. Contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more.

 

Why Are Pickup Trucks More Dangerous for Pedestrians?

Several factors make pickup trucks more hazardous for pedestrians than smaller vehicles, particularly during turns. These include size, visibility, speed, and design. Let’s break them down:

 

Larger Size and Weight

Pickup trucks are significantly heavier and larger than sedans or compact cars. When a collision occurs, the sheer weight of a pickup truck amplifies the force of impact, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities for pedestrians.

  • Weight Comparison: While the average passenger car weighs around 3,000 pounds, many modern pickup trucks can weigh upwards of 5,000 pounds.
  • Force of Impact: The additional weight translates to a higher force of impact in collisions, making injuries more severe.

 

Poor Visibility

One of the key reasons pickup trucks are so dangerous during turning maneuvers is their poor visibility.

  • Blind Spots: Pickup trucks have significantly larger blind spots than passenger cars, particularly in the front and sides of the vehicle. This makes it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians crossing the street.
  • Raised Front Ends: The elevated design of many pickup trucks places the driver higher off the ground, making it harder to spot pedestrians directly in front of the vehicle.

 

Design and Turning Radius

Pickup trucks are designed for utility and off-road capabilities, but these design features can work against pedestrian safety in urban settings:

  • Longer Turning Radius: Pickup trucks often require wider turns, increasing the likelihood of clipping pedestrians on corners or crosswalks.
  • Front-End Shape: The high and flat front ends of many trucks make them more likely to strike pedestrians in the torso or head, where injuries are often fatal.

 

Higher Speeds and Aggressive Driving

Pickup trucks are often equipped with powerful engines, encouraging higher speeds. When combined with the limited maneuverability of these vehicles, this can lead to more severe accidents.

 

Pedestrian Risks During Turns

Turning maneuvers, particularly left turns, are among the most dangerous situations for pedestrians. Here’s why pickup trucks amplify this risk:

 

Limited Driver Awareness

Drivers of pickup trucks may struggle to spot pedestrians while turning due to blind spots and the elevated driver position. In busy intersections, pedestrians can easily go unnoticed until it’s too late.

 

Wide Sweeping Turns

Pickup trucks often make wide turns that encroach on crosswalks or sidewalks. Pedestrians crossing legally at intersections may find themselves directly in the path of a turning truck.

 

Reaction Time

Due to their size and weight, pickup trucks take longer to stop or adjust their trajectory during a turn. If a driver spots a pedestrian late, it may be impossible to avoid a collision.

 

Inadequate Crosswalk Infrastructure

In many cities, crosswalks are not designed with larger vehicles like pickup trucks in mind. Narrow intersections or poorly marked pedestrian zones can increase the risk of accidents.

 

Statistics Highlighting the Danger

The data surrounding pedestrian fatalities involving pickup trucks is both sobering and eye-opening:

  • A 2023 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed that pickup trucks are 4x more likely to kill pedestrians during turns compared to smaller vehicles.
  • Fatalities involving pickup trucks have increased dramatically in recent years, in line with their growing popularity.
  • Between 2010 and 2020, pedestrian deaths caused by pickup trucks rose by more than 40%, outpacing increases for other types of vehicles.

 

Who Is Most at Risk?

While all pedestrians are vulnerable, certain groups face higher risks in collisions involving pickup trucks:

  • Children and Elderly Adults: These groups are less likely to be seen due to their shorter stature. Children, in particular, may dart into the street unexpectedly.
  • Cyclists: Many pickup truck accidents also involve cyclists, who are often struck during turning maneuvers.
  • Urban Pedestrians: People walking in dense city areas, where crosswalks and turning vehicles are common, are particularly vulnerable.

 

What Can Be Done to Prevent Accidents?

Preventing pedestrian fatalities caused by pickup trucks requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some potential solutions:

 

For Drivers

  • Increase Awareness of Blind Spots: Drivers of pickup trucks should familiarize themselves with their vehicle’s blind spots and check these areas thoroughly before making turns.
  • Slow Down in Pedestrian Zones: Reducing speed gives drivers more time to react to pedestrians.
  • Use Technology: Many modern pickup trucks are equipped with safety features like blind-spot monitoring and pedestrian detection systems. Drivers should take full advantage of these tools.

 

For Cities Like Tampa

  • Improve Infrastructure: Adding larger crosswalks, pedestrian islands, and better lighting can help reduce accidents.
  • Enforce Speed Limits: Stricter enforcement of speed limits, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas, can save lives.
  • Implement Traffic-Calming Measures: Speed bumps, curb extensions, and other measures can slow down traffic and make intersections safer.

 

For Automakers

  • Redesign Pickup Trucks: Manufacturers should focus on lowering the height of front ends and improving visibility from the driver’s seat.
  • Mandate Safety Features: Pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking should be standard on all vehicles, particularly large ones like pickup trucks.

 

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Pedestrian Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision involving a pickup truck, take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

 

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent.

 

2. Document the Scene

If possible, take photos of the accident scene, the truck involved, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and note the time and location of the incident.

 

3. Contact Law Enforcement

A police report is important for documenting the details of the accident and assigning fault.

 

4. Contact Morgan & Morgan

Pedestrian accidents involving pickup trucks often involve complex liability issues. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

 

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve represented countless victims of pedestrian accidents, including those involving pickup trucks. Our team understands the unique challenges posed by these cases, from negotiating with insurance companies to holding negligent drivers accountable.

With offices in every state across the country, we’re ready to fight for your rights. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case and have nothing to lose.

Whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or fellow driver, if the unthinkable happens, Morgan & Morgan is here to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Disclaimer
This website is meant for general information and not legal advice.

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