Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

6 Times NHTSA Scolded Pedestrians When It Knew SUVs Were Killing Them

Since 2009, the U.S. has seen a 45 percent increase in pedestrian deaths. In the last year, motorists took the lives of some 6,000 people who were just trying to walk from A to B.

While this was happening, government officials acted like they weren't sure what was causing it.

But thanks to an investigation by the Detroit Free Press and USA Today we now know the popularity of SUVs is the most likely explanation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration -- the federal agency responsible for auto safety standards -- has known since at least 2015 that SUVs, because of how they're designed, were two to three times more likely to kill pedestrians than cars. But the agency has "done little to reduce deaths or publicize the danger," the newspapers reported, even as the number of SUVs on the road has exploded.

While NHTSA feigned ignorance as to why drivers were killing more pedestrians, it blamed victims for injuries and deaths. Below are six examples of the NHTSA using Twitter to blame deceased pedestrians since 2015.

nhtsa tweet 2
false

Here NHTSA acknowledges the increase in fatalities but offers no explanation:

Here it admonishes pedestrians to "pay attention":

nhtsa tweet 1
false
nhtsa tweet 5
false
nhtsa tweet 6
false
nhtsa tweet 7
false
nhtsa tweet 9
false

"If you people would obey signs and signals that wouldn't even be necessary if not for reckless drivers, they would stop killing you":Helpful advice on how to walk, for those who may have forgotten:
Why mandate safe vehicles and street designs when you can blame Pokemon Go? (Not pictured: all the motorists out of frame playing Pokemon Go.)And here's NHTSA alerting drivers to daredevils out there who might be listening to music (since motorists themselves are known to abstain) or ... wearing hats: The above tweet is one example of NHTSA messaging to operators of multi-ton vehicles. And there was a lot of helmet advice for cyclists -- because, again, it's easier to lecture than to provide safe biking environments.

nhtsa tweet 10
false

But over this period, there was just one tweet that mentioned the unique risks posed by SUVs. It linked to a Facebook post that has since been deleted:Since the public now knows that larger vehicles are driving up fatality numbers, will NHTSA change its tune?

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Friday’s Headlines

With all the press about gas prices and the annual inflation tax increase, I'm actually stunned to hear prices are down in this fiscal year.

July 18, 2025

L.A. City Approves Measure HLA Ordinance

Both City Council and Mayor approved the city HLA ordinance, which goes into effect on August 18.

July 17, 2025

Op-ed: It’s Time to Fix Polk Street

Polk Street’s Bike Lane at 10: iteration promised, disappointment delivered.

July 17, 2025

Trump and Duffy Continue Assault on California and the Environment, Officially Cancel Federal Funding for High-Speed Rail

“Canceling these grants without cause isn’t just wrong — it’s illegal,” said CAHSRA CEO Ian Choudri.

July 17, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Reclaiming the Road

Ohio elected official and geographer David Prytherch on his new book, Reclaiming the Road: Mobility Justice Beyond Complete Streets.

July 17, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines

It's hardly news that California has to go it alone on modernizing our transportation system.

July 17, 2025
See all posts