New research highlighted by IAM RoadSmart found that one in three Britons believe SUVs are more dangerous to pedestrians than smaller vehicles, while 32% think they pose a greater risk to cyclists.
The findings come at a time when SUVs are becoming one of the fastest-growing vehicle types on UK roads, raising fresh questions about how vehicle size, design, and visibility affect overall road safety.

For motorcyclists, the implications could be significant.

Larger vehicles are linked to more severe crashes.

Several international studies suggest that when collisions involve larger vehicles such as SUVs or pickup trucks, the consequences can be more severe.

Research examining crash data found that pedestrians or cyclists struck by an SUV are around 44% more likely to be killed compared with being hit by a smaller passenger car.

Safety experts say this is partly due to vehicle design. SUVs typically have higher front ends, taller bonnets, and greater mass, which means impacts are more likely to strike the torso or head rather than the legs.
While much of the research focuses on pedestrians and cyclists, the same factors can also affect motorcyclists.

Motorcycles are already one of the most vulnerable forms of transport on the road. Riders have little physical protection in the event of a collision, meaning the size and weight of the vehicle involved can dramatically influence the severity of injuries.

Blind spots and visibility risks for riders

Another concern raised by safety groups is visibility.

Larger vehicles can create bigger blind spots, particularly around the sides and rear of the vehicle. For drivers, this can make spotting smaller road users such as motorcycles more difficult, especially at junctions or during lane changes.

With motorcycles representing around 1% of road traffic but accounting for a far higher proportion of serious injuries and fatalities, improving driver awareness and visibility remains a key priority for road safety organisations.

A spokesperson from REALRIDER SOS, a motorcycle crash detection app designed specifically for riders, says technology is also beginning to play an important role in reducing risks.

Motorcyclists face unique dangers on the road, particularly when other vehicles fail to see them. As cars become larger and heavier, the consequences of a collision can become even more severe.
“While prevention is always the goal, technology can also help protect riders in the critical moments after a crash.”

Technology helping riders after a crash

One of the biggest concerns for motorcyclists is what happens after an accident, particularly if a crash occurs on a quiet rural road where there are few witnesses.

Apps such as REALRIDER SOS are designed to address this issue.

The app uses motorcycle crash detection technology to monitor a ride. If a serious crash is detected and the rider does not respond, the system can automatically escalate the situation and connect to the UK emergency services via 999.

The goal is simple: reduce the time it takes for help to arrive when a rider cannot call for assistance themselves.

More information about how the technology works can be found at
https://www.realridersos.com

A changing road environment

As SUVs and larger vehicles continue to grow in popularity, road safety experts say it is important to consider how these changes affect everyone sharing the road.

Motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users, and improving awareness, visibility, and safety technology will play a crucial role in reducing risks.
For riders heading out onto increasingly busy roads, those extra layers of protection – whether through better driver awareness or new technology – could make a critical difference when it matters most.