Sport utility vehicles can be seen on roads all over the state of Ohio. The larger cars are quite popular for a number of reasons, and it would seem that they will continue to be the vehicle of choice for many people for the unforeseeable future. According to a recent report, the increase of SUV production and use over the last decade have had a negative impact on pedestrian safety. Pedestrians are suffering severe personal injury or even death more now than ever before.
Why is the SUV to blame? Researchers at Michigan State suggest that the design of SUVs causes them to strike pedestrians in their upper body, causing damage to vital organs and often leading to fatality. Sedans and other smaller passenger cars, on the other hand, will strike pedestrians in the lower extremities. While victims may suffer significant injury, they are more likely to survive the incident.
How bad is it, really? According to the report, over the last decade, pedestrian deaths have risen 46 percent. Cities with populations of at least 200,000 are more likely to see fatal pedestrian accidents, though they can happen anywhere, anytime. It is believed that pedestrians are twice as likely to die if hit by an SUV as opposed to a car.
Pedestrian safety is something that Ohio residents cannot ignore. Auto-pedestrian accidents happen, usually because of distracted or impaired driving. In such cases, victims of these collisions or — in the event of fatality — their surviving family members may have legal recourse. With the assistance of legal counsel, it may be possible to bring personal injury or wrongful death claims against the responsible parties in an effort to seek fair and full compensation.