Pedestrians face risks in many situations. Anyone crossing a street in Ohio must watch for motor vehicles that don’t obey traffic laws. Sometimes, the vehicle’s design adds to the dangers, as is when SUVs make turns. SUV drivers should be more mindful of pedestrians or risk striking someone and inflicting deadly injuries.
SUVs, turns and pedestrians
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggests that SUVs have more significant dangers of hitting pedestrians when turning than traditional cars. The study also indicated that pickup trucks and minivans present similar hazards. Often, the blind spots common with larger vehicles contribute to the danger. A driver in a larger car with a seat higher from the ground than a sedan may only see a pedestrian once it is too late.
Larger vehicles may take longer to stop when trying to avoid an accident. If an SUV driver does see the pedestrian and hits the brakes, the vehicle might not stop fast enough to avoid hitting the victim. The fact that larger vehicles can sometimes make wider turns further adds to hazards.
Injuries to pedestrians
SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans are significantly heavier than smaller vehicles. The added mass and weight could inflict more severe injuries when they hit a pedestrian. The heavier weight might crush a victim, causing fatal injuries. So, anyone driving a larger vehicle should exercise more care when near passengers.
A personal injury lawsuit may follow when drivers harm someone because of negligence. Sometimes, SUV drivers hit other vehicles or pedestrians when distracted or commit moving violations, such as turning on red lights without coming to a complete stop. Others may be under the influence, impairing their ability to drive.
A civil lawsuit could seek compensation for all losses stemming from an accident caused by a negligent motorist. The at-fault driver’s insurance policy may cover the losses in some situations.