The Hidden Dangers of Modern Pickup Trucks

Tall trucks pose serious risks to pedestrians. My 2017 Toyota Tundra’s hood is about 50 inches off the ground. In contrast, my wife’s 2014 Ford C-Max hood is 31 inches high. A New York Times investigation finds that trucks like mine are more lethal to pedestrians than smaller cars.

Today, highways and streets are filled with these tall vehicles. In the early 2000s, sedans and coupes dominated American roads. Ford, for example, sold millions. Now, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks with hoods over 50 inches tall, such as the Ford F-250 and Chevrolet Silverado 2500, are common. The presence of these large vehicles has increased fivefold since 2002.

Why Height Matters

The investigation by The Times highlights two major issues: high hood heights and large blind spots. Reporters worked with experts to simulate vehicle-pedestrian accidents at 20 mph.

In one simulation, a sedan with a height of about two and a half feet hits a 5-foot-9 average American man. The collision occurs below the man’s center of gravity, and he lands on the hood, potentially surviving.

Another simulation shows a pickup truck with a four-foot hood. It strikes the man’s chest, knocking him to the ground before running him over. Crash tests reveal that pedestrians often end up under the wheels before drivers comprehend the situation.

The study calls attention to the devastating impact even low-speed collisions can have due to the height and design of these trucks.