It's really a problem.

Fear of large cars is justified in Europe and anywhere else because they kill more pedestrians[1].

1. https://www.curbed.com/2018/9/27/17909270/pedestrian-deaths-...

I've had cars slightly touch me while I was crossing the street, but because they were generally small cars they were only touching my feet. Not at all a pleasant feeling but survivable. A truck, well, it would go straight for the belly/chest, a lot more vulnerable area.

There’s a much bigger problem if cars are touching you while you are walking than a big flat front end.