[elfsight_social_share_buttons id=”1″]
Tragically, roadway deaths are increasing even as vehicles get safer.
Federal data shows that fatal car crashes have risen 43% since 2011. And during that time, there’s been a 64% increase in crashes that kill cyclists and pedestrians.
Auto safety experts point to more stringent safety regulations and larger vehicles as key factors in those deaths. For example, better protections for passengers against rollovers might mean smaller windows and less visibility.
Some researchers warn that bigger vehicles themselves make it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians and cyclists. About one out of every five U.S. vehicle sales last year involved an SUV, pickup truck, or van.
Some groups are now lobbying U.S. transportation officials to begin factoring the safety of those outside of vehicles into their 5-star safety ratings.