Pedestrian deaths in the US have risen roughly 70–80% since 2009, a sharp increase driven by multiple factors. The growth of larger trucks and SUVs with taller hoods and reduced visibility is a major contributor, but it's not the only one. Research shows that more walking in high-speed, car-oriented environments, increases in nighttime walking, and road design also play significant roles in the rise. While vehicle design is an important part of the problem, the full picture involves how we've built our roads and where people are walking, not just what they're walking around.