One type of accident in which Smart Cars and small “smart cars” are safer is pedestrian accidents. The Governors Highway Safety Association reported that the significant increase in pedestrian accidents has corresponded with the rising popularity of pickups and SUVs. While pedestrian accidents involving all types of vehicles are rising, those involving larger vehicles rise at a more precipitous pace. The SUV’s increased weight and its taller profile result in a higher impact point on the pedestrian’s body, leaving them more vulnerable to fatal injuries. A landmark investigation by the Detroit Free Press and the USA Today Network revealed that pickups and SUVs are in around one-third of all pedestrian accidents and account for around 40 percent in all fatal pedestrian accidents. Sales of SUVs surpassed sedans as the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2014. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association’s calculations, fatal pedestrian accidents have increased by around 41 percent since that time. Smaller vehicles are safer in pedestrian accidents as they feature a lower profile and a lower impact point. Where the impact of a large SUV would likely occur in an adult or older child’s head, chest, or abdomen, the impact point would be in the lower extremities with a smaller car, typically producing less likelihood of fatal injuries. Additionally, the lower profile of the smaller vehicle means the driver has greater visibility when driving forward and fewer blind spots when backing up.