Pickup trucks are one of the most popular vehicles in the United States. Many people use them for work—such as general contractors or painters—but there are also countless people who simply enjoy driving trucks, even though they’re not necessary for commuting to school or an office job.
Over the years, pickup trucks have changed. Modern trucks are taller than they used to be, and they tend to weigh significantly more. There’s also been a trend toward tall, blunt front ends on these vehicles, rather than the sloping hoods found on smaller cars. The front edge of a truck’s hood may not even begin sloping back toward the windshield until it’s at the height of someone’s shoulder.
Why this is a problem for pedestrians
This creates serious problems for pedestrians, especially children, as drivers simply can’t see them over the front hoods of their own vehicles. A child standing in front of a truck in a parking lot could be entirely hidden. The driver isn’t intentionally acting dangerously when they strike the pedestrian—but the vehicle’s massive blind spot means they didn’t see the person at all.
These blunt front ends are also an issue because they tend to knock people down onto the pavement. With a smaller vehicle, a pedestrian may be struck around the level of the hip, which knocks them onto the hood. They could still be injured, but the impact may not be as severe. With a pickup truck, the same person would be knocked down and then run over, which could lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries or even a fatality.
If you’ve suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one in an accident, be sure you know what legal steps to take.
