SUVs and pickup trucks have gotten much larger over the decades. Consumers seem to prefer these oversized vehicles, perhaps because they make them feel safe. When you compare a modern pickup truck to one from even just a few decades ago, the difference is obvious. Modern vehicles dwarf their older counterparts.
But this design trend has created a whole new type of danger on the road. Many of these large vehicles have massive blind spots, so the drivers can’t see certain areas around them. This can lead to devastating accidents, often resulting in fatal injuries.
Children and pedestrians
Often, the greatest threat is to pedestrians. For instance, some studies have placed children in front of modern vehicles. When the child is right next to the front grille, the driver often can’t see over the wide hood and blunt front end. The child is essentially invisible to them. If that child was in a crosswalk on their way home from school, they could be struck by a driver who is turning right.
In one study, children sat on the ground in front of a vehicle to test how many children it took before the driver could actually spot them. The answer was concerning—one driver could only see the 11th child. This helps to demonstrate exactly how many people can fit into one of these blind spots and how hazardous they are. Cyclists face a similar risk.
Seeking compensation
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a driver in an oversized vehicle? If their negligence led to your injuries, you may deserve financial compensation for medical bills and more.