The Reason Why Are Trucks Getting Bigger

"Bigger trucks pose a greater hazard to pedestrians and smaller vehicles"

It's an arms race.

I used to live near a couple who were both doctors in the ER and they both drive the biggest trucks that they could find because they saw that people in large trucks tended to be fare better in accidents.

I have a small sedan for myself and a smallish SUV for my wife and kids. I feel pressure to upgrade both to something larger.

You’ll be happy to know that pickups are actually more dangerous for their driver. Mostly because they’re more likely to spin out or roll over.

> You’ll be happy to know that pickups are actually more dangerous for their driver. Mostly because they’re more likely to spin out or roll over.

Just a consideration: Would integrating 5-point harnesses and an rollover cage into these trucks help to mitigate this problem? (I am of course aware that the latter would make to truck even heavier)

That would make them considerably more dangerous for the driver. A roll bar will crack your skull if your head hits it and a 5 point harness will snap your neck. Race cars have them because drivers are also wearing HANS devices and helmets to prevent those injuries.

They are two very different approaches to safety that aren't really compatible.