tl;dr: A NYT investigation found that the shift toward larger SUVs and pickups—with hoods now averaging 3 feet tall and significantly bigger blind zones—has caused roughly 3,000 additional pedestrian deaths from 2016-2024, accounting for about 10% of the 75% surge in pedestrian fatalities since 2009. Automakers have pushed bigger vehicles because they generate nearly all industry profits, while a 2009 rollover safety rule inadvertently worsened visibility by thickening A-pillars. Regulators have largely ignored the issue, betting instead on automatic braking technology that tests show is unreliable.