The number of people killed in traffic accidents has increased dramatically in the past decade, and that means that it is time for traffic safety advocates to take a look at what needs to be done to reverse the trend. Some of the key areas that need to be addressed include speeding, drug-impaired driving, and pedestrian deaths.
Speeding
Speeding is a major factor in traffic crashes. It has been shown that one mile per hour of reduction in speed results in a 17 percent drop in fatal and injury crashes. Larger vehicles pose a much greater threat to cyclists and pedestrians.
Pedestrians are disproportionately killed in crashes. The rate of pedestrians killed by speeding increased from 7.2% to 8.6% over the past year. For children younger than 15 years old, the rate rose from 11.9% to 15.9%.
Pedestrians and cyclists in high-poverty neighborhoods are three times more likely to be killed in a crash. Children in these neighborhoods are also particularly vulnerable to speeding-related injury.
There are several ways to reduce speeding. First, police must enforce the speed limits. Second, street redesigns can reduce speeding. Third, speed cameras can be installed to help slow drivers. In addition, some police departments are starting public awareness campaigns. Finally, police must make sure the speed limit takes into account all users.
Over the last eight years, the number of deaths from speeding has skyrocketed. A large increase in fatalities from driving while under the influence is one reason for this increased risk. Also, pedestrians have been struck while walking on interstate on-ramps.
As the number of speeding crashes increases, the question arises about how safe it is to drive in a controlled environment. Several transportation advocates have called for redesigning the roads. However, other ideas have met resistance from drivers.
New York City has taken steps to reduce speeding. Specifically, in 2014, the city lowered the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph. This move saved lives within a year.
A new campaign is being launched to combat speeding in Brooklyn. Sammy’s Law, named for 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, is sponsored by Assemblymember Richard Gottfried and Senator Brad Hoylman. If passed, the law would give municipalities the power to lower their speed limit.
As the number of fatalities continues to rise, cities are scrambling to find ways to protect people from deadly collisions. Lowering speed zones can benefit pedestrians and cyclists. Increasing safety for those who are riding bikes and walking is an important part of Vision Zero.
Pedestrian deaths
The pedestrian fatality rate in the United States has jumped at an alarming rate over the past decade. In fact, pedestrian deaths have increased by more than 2,000 since 2009. A new study by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) highlights the factors that are contributing to this troubling trend.
According to the GHSA, the average pedestrian fatality has increased by over 40 percent over the last decade. Its report is based on preliminary data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The GHSA’s report suggests that the increase in pedestrian deaths is a result of several factors, including dangerous driving behaviors and the influx of SUVs. SUVs weigh more than cars, which increases the risk of injury in collisions. Smartphones are another factor, as people often text while walking.
As a result, the number of fatalities involving pedestrians has reached record levels. This year, more than 5,000 pedestrians were killed by vehicles, up from the previous year’s 5,911 deaths.
However, the number of fatalities relating to walking isn’t as high as you might think. In fact, the rate of fatalities for all traffic crashes has increased by 13 percent over the past decade.
The GHSA estimates that pedestrians will have their most dangerous year in over 40 years. Their projection is that 7,485 pedestrians will die in 2021, up 12% from the previous year.
According to the GHSA, pedestrian deaths in the first half of 2021 were up in 39 states and D.C., a trend that continued into the second half of the year. Two states reported double-digit reductions in pedestrian fatalities, while 11 other states experienced declines.
Pedestrian deaths are primarily concentrated in cities. They tend to happen at night in dark lighting conditions, such as intersections or non-intersection locations.
Other factors that are contributing to this trend include increased use of smartphones and the influx of SUVs. People who use their phones to browse while walking also have a higher chance of being in an accident than those who only talk on their cell phones.
Drug-impaired driving
In a recent report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that drug-impaired driving is a growing cause of traffic fatalities. According to the report, nearly a third of all fatal crashes involve drivers who are under the influence of drugs. This statistic is alarming.
Drug-impaired driving is also a cause of serious injuries. While drivers who are impaired may not be aware of their impaired abilities, many drivers avoid crashes by being alert, sober, and responsive.
Several studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence of drugs among fatally injured drivers. The most common drugs involved in fatal crashes were marijuana, alcohol, and opioids. These drugs all affect driving differently, but they all can increase a driver’s crash risk.
A 2005 study of seriously injured drivers found that over two-thirds of these drivers were positive for at least one substance. They were more likely to be drug positive than alcohol.
Another report showed that marijuana is the most commonly used drug in fatally injured drivers. However, researchers say that it is difficult to determine how often marijuana impairs a driver, as it stays in the system for a long time. Those who drive after taking marijuana may experience decreased coordination and reaction times, resulting in a greater crash risk.
Prescription medicines can also cause drowsiness and affect drivers’ cognitive skills. These factors contribute to impaired driving.
The number of alcohol-impaired drivers has decreased, but the percentage of drivers testing positive for drugs has increased. This trend is likely to continue as more states legalize marijuana.
In addition to the numbers on traffic fatalities, researchers have been examining the correlation between drug use and other risky driving behaviors. Studies have shown that combinations of drugs and alcohol can significantly increase a driver’s crash risk.
As more drivers test positive for drugs, researchers expect that the percentage of drivers who are impaired will continue to rise. One study estimates that over 12.8 million Americans drove under the influence of marijuana in 2019. Marijuana and other drugs have a high blood alcohol concentration, making it very difficult to determine how these substances impact driving.
Post-crash care
Motor vehicle crashes can be devastating. A range of physical and psychological needs can arise, and many survivors will need extended support. It’s important to ensure that crash victims receive a comprehensive, timely and integrated post-crash care approach. This can improve their chances of a speedy recovery.
The key to a successful post-crash care strategy is effective emergency care. This is best done through a responsive system that quickly dispatches trained providers, equipped ambulances and extrication services when needed. In addition to emergency care, an extended response should include counselling, organised support groups and other resources to help crash survivors reintegrate into their work and home lives.
Post-crash care is a vital part of the overall effort to reduce traffic fatalities. It requires access to data on crashes and injuries. This information can be used to pinpoint risk factors and to determine the quality of injury care.
Effective post-crash care also requires a range of supportive services, including home adaptation and access to medical supplies. These support services can also help prevent psychological distress. Many people who suffer from road traffic accidents experience long-term effects of their injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder.
Road traffic injuries are often a burden on families, causing them to suffer a great deal of financial burden. This is especially true for children. Children who are injured in a motor vehicle accident are more likely to have health issues than other age groups. While these types of injuries are costly for individuals, governments also suffer enormous losses. They often have to provide a number of social and economic sequelae, such as unemployment and disability.
The UN General Assembly Resolution 64/255, which was enacted in 2010, promoted coordinated international action to reduce road traffic deaths. It set a goal of a 50 percent reduction in road traffic deaths by 2020. Similarly, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development reiterated the importance of road safety. Pillar 5 of the document promotes the promotion of data on crashes and their impacts. Other pillars promote the development of systems and practices that will enhance road safety.
