Higher bonnets in SUVs 'a clear and growing threat' to children, report finds

Drivers in the tallest cars could not see children as old as nine at all when they were directly in front of the vehicle, analysis found

In crashes, high-bonneted SUVs are more likely to strike the vital organs in the core of adults’ bodies and the heads of children.

The bonnet height of new cars across Europe is rising relentlessly, a report has found, bringing a “clear and growing threat to public safety, especially for children”.

Higher fronts on cars significantly increase the death rate when pedestrians are struck. The analysis also found drivers in the tallest cars could not see children as old as nine at all when they were directly in front of the vehicle.