On Point | Podcast cover image

On Point | Podcast

Trucks and SUVs are bigger -- and more dangerous -- than ever. New safety rules aim to fix that

Oct 7, 2024
David Zipper, a senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and a Vox contributor, dives into the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities linked to larger vehicles. He discusses the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's groundbreaking proposals for new safety regulations targeting oversized trucks and SUVs. The conversation highlights how these changes aim to protect pedestrians, explores the cultural shift towards bigger vehicles, and critiques the automotive industry's response to enhance safety. Zipper emphasizes the urgent need for stricter regulations to ensure safety for all road users.
47:28

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities, reaching a 40-year high, is largely attributed to the increasing size and weight of trucks and SUVs.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's proposed rule aims to enhance pedestrian safety by requiring automakers to redesign vehicles to minimize injury risks.

Deep dives

The Rise of Larger Vehicles

The trend towards larger trucks and SUVs in the U.S. has accelerated significantly over the last few decades. Models like the Ford F-150 have grown not only in size but also in weight, with recent models being approximately 800 pounds heavier than those made in 1991. Currently, trucks and SUVs account for a substantial 80% of U.S. car sales, reflecting a consumer preference for bigger vehicles. This increase in size corresponds with growing concerns over pedestrian safety, as the larger dimensions of these vehicles have contributed to a dramatic rise in pedestrian fatalities.

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