Front-end visibility issues with SUVs linked to pedestrian and cyclist deaths, study reveals
Modern SUVs are facing a significant drop in driver visibility compared to their counterparts from the 1990s, according to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2025. Over a 25-year period, the visibility within a 10-meter radius for SUVs declined by as much as 58%.
The study analyzed 17 vehicles across six nameplates: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Suburban, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Toyota Camry, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Among these, the Honda CR-V experienced the largest drop, with visibility decreasing by 68% within the 10-meter radius. The Chevrolet Suburban saw visibility nearly halved, falling from 56% of the area visible in the '90s to just 28% in 2023. Interestingly, the Ford F-150, although a pickup truck rather than an SUV, also saw its visibility fall, but by a lesser margin of 17%.
In contrast, sedans such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry showed minimal to no significant changes in front visibility during the same period.
This decline in SUV driver visibility has raised safety concerns due to the increased risk posed to pedestrians and cyclists. The IIHS notes that SUVs are associated with a higher likelihood of serious injuries in certain crash scenarios.
The study suggests that as cars have grown larger and more stylized, visibility for their drivers has become harder. Tall hoods, big mirrors, and blunt noses may be worsening pedestrian and cyclist safety, according to the research.
As we move forward, it is crucial to address this issue to ensure the safety of all road users. The IIHS's findings underscore the need for automakers to prioritize visibility design in their vehicles, particularly in SUVs.
[1] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). (2025). Reduced Visibility in Modern SUVs: A Growing Safety Concern. Retrieved from https://www.iihs.org/news/reduced-visibility-in-modern-suvs-a-growing-safety-concern [2] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). (n.d.). SUVs and Safety. Retrieved from https://www.iihs.org/topics/suvs-and-safety [3] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2020). Traffic Safety Facts - Pedestrians. Retrieved from https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813126 [4] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2020). Traffic Safety Facts - Bicyclists and Other Cyclists. Retrieved from https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813123
- The decline in visibility in modern SUVs, as highlighted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), is raising concerns about road safety, as SUVs are associated with a higher risk of serious injuries in certain crash scenarios.
- The IIHS suggests that as cars have grown larger and more stylized, features such as tall hoods, big mirrors, and blunt noses in SUVs may be contributing to worsening pedestrian and cyclist safety.
- In light of the IIHS's findings, it is essential for automakers to prioritize visibility design in their vehicles, particularly in SUVs and automotive industry, to ensure the safety of all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, as stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
