Consumer demand for safety, luxury and technology has led to a long-term rise in sales of sport utility vehicles (SUVs), pickups and minivans. As a result, many of them have ballooned in size and spaciousness, with bigger and heavier frames, massive cargo capacity and more safety features. In 2023, light trucks, including SUVs, accounted for 86 per cent of new car sales in Canada. SUVs and pickup trucks have seen tremendous growth in popularity in the automative industry over the past decade, outpacing traditional sedans. 

Safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists 

Research is shining a spotlight on the downsides of this trend, pointing to a correlation between increases in vehicle sizes and advancements in car technology, and the number of both human fatalities and severity of injuries. 

According to National Safety Council data, in the United States, there has been a rise in pedestrian fatalities, with 2022 being the deadliest year in decades. The report suggests SUVs and pickup trucks have been associated with higher risks to pedestrians, cyclists and other roadway users compared to smaller cars; however, results may not transfer directly to Canadian roads. 

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.19 million people die every year from road traffic crashes. It is the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5 to 29 years. More than half of all road traffic deaths are vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. 

Technology: Helpful but not full proof 

With better the technology, there can be a risk drivers pay less attention to driving skills. Drivers and passengers can have a heightened, and often false, sense of security and drivers may take risks concerning distraction and fatigue, assuming features like adaptive cruise control will alert them if something goes wrong.  

Large four-wheel drive vehicles are luxurious on the open road. But manoeuvring them on urban roadways, many of which have lane widths tightened due to construction, cyclists, food-delivery scooters, and thousands of pedestrians going about their days, can be more difficult. And yet, research from behavioural data has concluded that bigger cars make drivers feel more secure, leading to more generalized risk-taking on the road.  

Much of the new technology in vehicles, which was a focus at last winter’s Canadian International AutoShow, can be enormously helpful. Collision alerts, enhanced blind spot detection and lane intervention, as well as advanced emergency braking systems, such as rear cross traffic braking, reverse automatic braking, front and rear pedestrian braking, and bicyclist braking, have been designed to help prevent a collision and possible death or injury. While advanced driver assistance systems are designed to assist, their effectiveness varies by system and road conditions, and they do not replace attentive driving. 

Expert Advice from Young Drivers of Canada 

However, the onus should primarily be on drivers to drive safely, says Brian Hart, training manager at Young Drivers of Canada. 

Large motor vehicles with advanced safety technology are “providing a false sense of security that the vehicle is going to do all the work necessary to keep you safe. I believe this to be a false assumption. While these technologies are good with assisting the driver, the driver still needs to be aware and in control at all times,” he says. 

“I had an instance in my own new vehicle … and found that, while the vehicle was able to make lane corrections and speeds changes as necessary, it was not foolproof. There were instances that the vehicle would not correct properly with lane assist when it couldn’t recognize lanes effectively (rural roads with gravel shoulders) or was temporarily unable to sense other issues.   

“I also found that it took my attention away from the task of driving and my awareness as the driver. Even with these technologies, it is still ultimately the driver’s responsibility.” 

8 key safety tips for all drivers, regardless of vehicle type, from Young Drivers of Canada 

1. Keep your eyes up. Most drivers scan the road just a few seconds ahead, but they should maintain a visual lead of 12 to 15 seconds.  
2. Scan side and rear-view mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds to identify any hazards early and give more time to make deliberate decisions. 
3. Keep a safe following distance. As a general rule, maintain a following distance of at least 3 seconds under normal driving conditions and increase to 6 or more seconds in adverse weather or road conditions. 
4. Leave sufficient stopping distance. Make sure you’re able to see the tires on the pavement of the vehicle in front. 
5. Scan at intersections. Make a full stop at the stop line, then visually scan from left to centre to right and back again. Proceed only when it is safe to do so, obey the speed limit, and yield correctly to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. 
6. Follow proper lane change protocol. Check mirrors as well as do an over-the-shoulder check, and signal early to communicate to other road users before changing lanes.  
7. Adhere to the fit-to-drive standard. Ensure seatbelts are always fastened, adjust mirrors and have no distractions. Do not drive if impaired, fatigued or otherwise unfit.  
8. Be weather wise and winter ready. Clear all glass and the roof of ice or snow, use low beams in rain or fog, install winter tires below 7 °C, have the vehicle properly maintained and fluids topped up, and moderate speed under conditions with poor traction or visibility.  

These tips are for general information only. Always follow the traffic laws and regulations that apply in your province or territory. 

Why car insurance matters more than ever 

As vehicle sizes and road risks increase, having the right car insurance is essential. It’s not just about protecting your vehicle—it’s about safeguarding yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. Comprehensive coverage can help with medical expenses, liability claims, and repair costs in the event of a collision. With advanced vehicle technology and unpredictable driving conditions, car insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection when you need it most. 

Visit our website to learn more. 

Disclaimer: This information has been provided for your convenience only and should not be construed as providing legal or insurance advice. Allstate does not control or guarantee the accuracy of any content on any third-party site. Allstate is not responsible for the privacy practices of any third-party site. Coverage, terms and premiums vary by province and policy. Views expressed by the interviewee are their own and do not constitute an endorsement of any insurer.