How Far Should We Go to Reduce Traffic Deaths?

After a decade of declines in traffic deaths, the Us is seeing an increment in roadway fatalities for the 2nd year in a row. The National Safety Council estimates that more than 40,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2022, a 6 percent increase from 2022, post-obit a 7 percent increase the year before.

In a New York Times article on the quango'southward estimates, safety experts identified several factors that have caused the rise in vehicle-related deaths. As the economy improved, the number of miles driven annually has risen, which statistically leads to more car accidents and deaths.

But the Times also pointed to a "more lenient enforcement of seatbelt, drunken driving and speeding regulations past government and a reluctance by lawmakers to pass more restrictive measures." In xv states, not wearing a seatbelt is a secondary offense, pregnant drivers tin can't be pulled over for the infraction, but ticketed for it after being stopped for another offense.

Experts as well said budget cuts have reduced police ranks in some states, leading to less enforcement of speeding and drunk-driving laws. Drivers distracted by apps on their phones are likewise a problem, they said.

If we actually desire to get serious nearly stemming the rising of highway deaths, technology can help—although it would limit personal freedom and require tougher regulation.

Locking Out Dangerous Beliefs

A 2022 study plant that installing ignition interlocks in all new cars could prevent 85 percent of booze-related deaths on U.s.a. roads. Steering-bike sensors could also more discreetly measure out blood alcohol content via a driver'south easily to prevent alcohol-impaired vehicle operation.

To help fight distraction, automakers have incorporated apps into their infotainment systems for streaming music, local search, and other content and then that drivers don't have to concord a phone to access such features. Many vehicle Bluetooth organization also include hands-gratis text messaging, and vocalism-activated texting is also available via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Still, drivers continue to bank check phone notifications while backside the bicycle. But what if telephone automakers and phone suppliers implemented a form of lockout technology? Or roadway cameras policed speeding and seatbelt use?

I realize that this sounds like a radical, Big Brother-fashion arroyo, and I'g not saying it will solve the problem, but perhaps drastic measures are required to reverse the upwards trend in roadway deaths.

To put the numbers into perspective, the latest figures stand for the start time since 2007 that more 40,000 people have died car accidents in a single twelvemonth, which is equivalent to a 747 crashing roughly every five days, killing everyone onboard.

If passenger jets were falling from the sky this regularly, yous can bet there would exist outrage and calls for reform—and most people would be scared to travel past plane. Yet when this kind of carnage is happening on our highways, it's somehow acceptable.

While information technology would certainly mean more than restrictions and regulation—as with the nation'due south debate over gun control—doing null volition result in more people unnecessarily dying.

About Doug Newcomb

Doug Newcomb

Doug Newcomb is a recognized expert on the subject of car technology within the car industry and among the automotive and general media, and a frequent speaker at automotive and consumer electronics industry events. Doug began his career in 1988 at the machine stereo trade publication Mobile Electronics, earlier serving equally editor of the leading consumer magazines covering the topic, Car Audio and Electronics and Car Stereo Review/Mobile Amusement/Road & Track Road Gear, from 1989 to 2005. In 2005 Doug started his own company, Newcomb Communications & Consulting, to provide content to such outlets equally Road & Track, Popular Mechanics, MSN Autos, SEMA News, and many others. In 2008, he …