Why Are Fatalities on the Rise Despite Advances in Car Safety?
🚗 Why Are Fatalities on the Rise Despite Advances in Car Safety?
Despite advancements in car safety technology, the number of road fatalities in the U.S. has been increasing over the past decade. This concerning trend is especially pronounced among pedestrians and cyclists, with a 60% rise in fatalities between 2011 and 2022. Experts attribute this increase to several factors, including distracted driving due to smartphone use, a surge in speeding and reckless behavior, higher rates of alcohol and drug-impaired driving, and the growing presence of SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans on the road. One significant issue is that current U.S. safety ratings primarily focus on the safety of vehicle occupants, neglecting the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Organizations like the National Association of City Transportation Officials are advocating for safety ratings to consider those outside of vehicles as well. Large vehicles, such as SUVs and pickups, are more likely to cause fatal injuries to pedestrians and cyclists due to their size and design.
Caltrans and state fire officials had expressed concerns about the storage of combustible liquids on wooden pallets under Interstate 10 for several years before a recent fire, which is now being investigated as arson, led to the closure of a major Los Angeles freeway for over a week.