Over the past decade, the size of vehicles on UK roads has steadily increased. SUVs and larger cars have become one of the fastest-growing segments in the market, offering drivers higher seating positions, larger interiors, and a greater sense of security.
However, as vehicles become larger and heavier, some road safety experts are raising questions about what this means for more vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists.
Recent research highlighted by IAM RoadSmart found that one in three Britons believe SUVs are more dangerous to pedestrians than smaller cars, while 32% think they pose a greater risk to cyclists.
As the popularity of larger vehicles continues to rise, the findings are prompting wider discussions about how vehicle size, design, and visibility affect overall road safety.
For motorcyclists, these changes could have important implications.
The link between vehicle size and crash severity
Several international studies suggest that collisions involving larger vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, can lead to more severe outcomes.
Analysis of crash data has found that pedestrians or cyclists struck by an SUV are around 44% more likely to be killed compared with being hit by a standard passenger car.
Part of the reason lies in vehicle design. Larger vehicles tend to have higher front ends, taller bonnets, and greater overall mass, meaning the point of impact is often higher on the body. This can increase the likelihood of serious or fatal injuries.
While many of these studies focus on pedestrians and cyclists, similar concerns apply to motorcyclists. Riders have far less physical protection than occupants of cars, which means the size and weight of the vehicle involved in a collision can significantly influence the outcome.
Visibility challenges on today’s roads
Another issue often raised in discussions around larger vehicles is visibility.
SUVs typically create larger blind spots around the sides and rear of the vehicle, which can make it more difficult for drivers to see smaller road users such as motorcycles.
This is particularly concerning given the vulnerability of riders. In the UK, motorcyclists make up around 1% of road traffic but account for a disproportionately high number of serious injuries and fatalities.
For drivers, this highlights the importance of careful observation at junctions, checking mirrors thoroughly, and being aware that motorcycles can easily disappear into blind spots.
For riders, it reinforces the need to stay alert and visible, particularly in heavy traffic or when riding alongside larger vehicles.
What happens after a crash matters
While preventing accidents remains the priority, the moments immediately after a crash can also be critical.
If a motorcycle accident happens on a quiet rural road, there may be few witnesses nearby to call for help. In serious incidents where a rider is injured or unable to reach their phone, delays in alerting emergency services can make a significant difference.
This is where new safety technology is beginning to play a role.
Apps such as REALRIDER SOS use motorcycle crash detection technology to monitor a ride. If the system detects a serious crash and the rider does not respond, it can escalate the alert and connect to UK emergency services via 999.
The goal is simple: help ensure that assistance can be requested even if a rider cannot make the call themselves.
More information about how the system works can be found at
https://www.realridersos.com.
Sharing the road safely
The rise in larger vehicles is part of a wider shift in consumer preferences. However, it also highlights the importance of considering how vehicle design affects everyone sharing the road.
Motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users. Improving awareness, understanding blind spots, and embracing safety technologies can all play a role in reducing risks.
For riders heading out onto increasingly busy roads, being prepared, staying visible, and having the right safety tools in place can make a crucial difference when it matters most.