SUV Bonnet Height Surge Raises Child Safety Fears

Campaign groups and researchers warn that the rising height of car bonnets in Europe, driven by the popularity of SUVs, poses a growing danger to vulnerable road users, particularly children. The average bonnet height of new vehicles has increased from about 77cm in 2010 to nearly 84cm in 2024, with some models like Land Rovers and RAM trucks exceeding 1 meter, making children as old as nine invisible to drivers. Studies indicate that a rise in bonnet height from 80cm to 90cm results in a 27% higher fatality risk for pedestrians and cyclists. The trend, known as 'autobesity', also undermines efforts to reduce vehicle emissions. Advocacy groups are urgently calling for legislation to cap bonnet heights, as currently, no legal limit exists in the UK or EU. Critics argue that manufacturers are prioritizing intimidating design over safety.