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Americans love their big vehicles. When the Europeans were building sensible economy cars and diminutive sports cars, stateside automakers were producing massive cars with high-displacement engines. The trend continues today, with buyers picking SUVs and pickup trucks over passenger cars for their space and safety by sheer mass. Incidentally, our love for almost comically huge vehicles makes a moot point out of the argument for lower speed limits. 

An IIHS study suggests slower speed limits won’t make a difference with large SUVs and pickup trucks on the road

I know. I know. Most car enthusiasts are damn near allergic to any mention of lower speed limits. However, lawmakers in cities and states nationwide want lower urban and highway speed limits in the interest of safety. The argument is that mandating slower speeds will lower the fatal accident rate and risk for pedestrians by increasing drivers’ reaction times, per the NHTSA.  

According to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study, Americans’ vehicle preferences may make slower speed limits irrelevant. In theory, lower speed limits could benefit pedestrians in a 27-mph accident with a “median-height” vehicle, like a sedan, coupe, or hatchback. The agency found that a pedestrian struck by a sedan or like vehicle has a roughly 60% or 30% chance of a “moderate” or “serious” injury, respectively.

However, a larger vehicle, like an SUV or pickup truck, can increase the likelihood of a pedestrian suffering a moderate injury to 83%. Worse yet, the chances of a pedestrian sustaining a serious injury after a 27-mph crash with a taller vehicle rise by 32%. Granted, lower average speed limits may decrease the danger to pedestrians and other motorists. However, our affinity for tall, large, heavy, and slow-to-stop vehicles doesn’t help.

Understandably, a vehicle’s mass has a lot to do with the survivability of a wreck. If you doubt that much, you need only look at the fatal accident rates of vehicles by segment. Specifically, iSeeCars reports that compact and subcompact cars have a fatal accident rate of 3.6 per billion vehicle miles. That’s 1.6 less than large or full-size vehicles.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and Humvees. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with expertise covering everything from sports cars and electric motorcycles to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He also studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC). When he’s not working, you can find Erik on his motorcycle or out for a spirited drive.