Why SUVs Are Deathtraps

Due to their spacious interiors and larger frames, SUVs have long been viewed as a safer option for families and new drivers compared to smaller vehicles. However, recent studies from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) challenge this perception, revealing significant dangers for both passengers and pedestrians. Join us as we explore these findings and the inherent safety risks associated with SUVs.

Passenger Safety: Not as Secure as We Once Believed

Despite the popular belief that SUVs offer superior safety, the latest IIHS crash tests indicate otherwise, especially for rear-seat passengers. Historically, safety tests have focused primarily on front-seat occupants, leaving rear-seat safety less scrutinized. However, the introduction of rear seat dummy testing in 2022 has shed light on some concerning statistics: belted rear seat passengers have a 46% higher chance of fatality in crashes compared to those in the front seat.

Out of 13 midsize SUV models tested, only four of them - Ford Mustang Mach-E^®, Ford Explorer^®, Tesla^® Model Y, and Subaru^® Ascent - earned the highest safety rating of “good.” These ratings were based on sensors measuring potential injuries to various parts of the body, as well as ensuring the dummy’s head did not strike the vehicle interior or submarine beneath the lap belt.

In contrast, models like the Chevrolet^® Traverse, Volkswagen^® Atlas, and Toyota^® Highlander received marginal ratings due to risks of head and neck injuries for rear passengers. The worst performers, including the Honda^® Pilot, Hyundai^® Palisade, and Jeep^® Grand Cherokee, demonstrated a high likelihood of severe injuries, with the Jeep^® Wrangler 4-door lacking even basic rear side-curtain airbags.

These findings emphasize that while SUVs may protect front-seat occupants well, rear-seat passengers are at a significantly higher risk. This is particularly troubling given that families often choose SUVs, with children typically occupying the rear seats.

Pedestrian Risks: A Growing Concern

SUVs, because of their size and shape, are more likely to cause fatal accidents with pedestrians. Despite design changes over the past 20 years, SUVs still pose a greater threat to pedestrians than cars. An IIHS study, which looked at crashes in Michigan, showed some alarming results. When SUVs hit pedestrians at speeds above 19 miles per hour, they are more likely to cause serious injuries or death. At speeds of 40 mph and higher, every SUV crash in the study resulted in a pedestrian death, while fewer car crashes did.

From 2009 to 2018, pedestrian deaths increased by 53%. During this time, the number of SUVs on the road also went up from 21% to 29% of all vehicles. This suggests that more SUVs on the road may be one reason for the rise in pedestrian deaths. The high front end of SUVs tends to hit pedestrians in vital areas like the chest and pelvis, leading to more severe injuries.

Reevaluating SUV Safety

The findings from the IIHS studies highlight a vital need to reassess the safety of SUVs. While they may offer a sense of security due to their size and build, the reality is that SUVS pose significant risks to rear-seat passengers and pedestrians.

Manufacturers must prioritize improvements in rear seat safety and pedestrian protection. Additionally, drivers of SUVs should be aware of these risks and exercise extra caution, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

Ultimately, the choice of a vehicle should be informed by comprehensive safety data rather than perception. By understanding the real dangers posed by SUVs, consumers can make more informed decisions, potentially saving lives both inside and outside the vehicle.

References: New study suggests today’s SUVs are more lethal to pedestrians than cars | SUV Passengers Aren’t As Safe As They Think, IIHS Says