Are Bigger Trucks and Heavier Cars Making Denver Roads More Dangerous?

If you’ve been out and about in Denver lately, you’ve probably noticed something: trucks and cars just keep getting bigger. From full-size pickup trucks to electric vehicles (EVs), the road is now dominated by increasingly heavier and taller vehicles. While these rides might look cool and offer plenty of perks for their drivers, they can also spell disaster for others on the road—especially pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and people in smaller cars.

At the O’Sullivan Law Firm, we’ve seen the devastating consequences that can result from accidents involving these large vehicles, and the truth is, they’re far more dangerous than most of us realize. Here’s why the size and weight of modern vehicles are becoming a serious safety issue.

1. Bigger Vehicles, Bigger Blind Spots

One of the key features of today’s pickup trucks is their towering height. Sure, it gives drivers a great view of the road—but that view comes with significant blind spots. Pickup trucks often have hoods that can be more than 50 inches off the ground. That means if a child, cyclist, or motorcyclist is directly in front of the vehicle, they may be completely out of view.

Blind spots aren’t just a nuisance; they’re deadly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that blind-spot crashes are on the rise, particularly in urban areas like Denver, where we have plenty of pedestrians, cyclists, and smaller vehicles navigating the same streets.

2. The Weight Problem: Heavier Vehicles Hit Harder

The larger the vehicle, the more force it generates in a collision. Pickup trucks today can easily weigh over 6,000 pounds, and even a mid-size EV like the Tesla Model S tips the scales at nearly 5,000 pounds due to its massive battery. For context, the average car weighs just over 3,000 pounds. The impact of a heavier vehicle in a crash can cause much more severe injuries, especially to pedestrians and cyclists who have little to no protection in an accident.

Even for those in smaller cars, getting into an accident with one of these behemoths is bad news. Heavier trucks and SUVs have higher centers of gravity, making them more prone to rolling over in an accident. They can also crush lighter vehicles, leading to catastrophic outcomes for the people inside.

3. Electric Vehicles: Greener but Heavier

While electric vehicles may be a win for the environment, they pose a challenge when it comes to safety. EVs are typically heavier than their gas-powered counterparts because of the batteries they carry. This extra weight increases the force of impact in a crash, which can lead to more serious injuries or fatalities. In fact, some safety experts are raising concerns that EVs, despite being designed with advanced safety features, could pose new risks to other road users simply due to their mass.

4. Pedestrian and Cyclist Vulnerability

One of the most alarming trends in traffic fatalities involves pedestrians and cyclists. As cars get bigger and heavier, pedestrians and cyclists are more at risk. The higher front-end design of trucks means that, in an accident, a pedestrian is more likely to be struck at the torso or head, rather than being hit in the legs and rolled over the hood like they might with a lower car. This results in more severe injuries or even death.

With more Denverites embracing biking as a way to get around the city or enjoy our beautiful mountain trails, the stakes are higher than ever.

5. Safety Tips for Drivers of Big Vehicles

If you own or drive a pickup truck, SUV, or EV, you can help make the roads safer by taking a few simple precautions:

• Check Your Blind Spots: Be aware that your vehicle’s height creates large blind spots, especially in front of and behind your vehicle. Use your mirrors carefully and always check your surroundings.
• Slow Down: Heavier vehicles take longer to stop. Give yourself extra time to brake, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian or cyclist traffic.
• Share the Road: Be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Give them plenty of space and yield the right of way when required.
• Stay Alert: Avoid distractions, especially in busy areas where pedestrians or cyclists may suddenly cross your path.

The Bottom Line: Big Vehicles, Bigger Risks

While bigger and heavier vehicles might be appealing for their power, storage, and off-road capabilities, they come with significant safety challenges. As we see more of these vehicles on the road, especially in bustling areas like Denver, the risks to pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers of smaller cars will only increase.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a large vehicle, the consequences can be life-altering. The O’Sullivan Law Firm is here to help. We understand the unique dynamics of these cases, and we’ll fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.