Why Are American Drivers So Deadly?

Why Are American Drivers So Deadly?

1/22/2025

notes

i once read this poem about how stepping into a car is tantamount to transporting yourself into a world where you seemingly have more control and power than you really do.

that image resonates in a world where cars are getting heavier, roads allow for higher speeds and the lack of human connection and empathy is more pronounced in our digital age of decreasing hope about the future.

a friend and i discussed last year if driving was getting worse. this article provides a nice approach to measure if it is getting worse, and unfortunately the answer is: probably yes.

link

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/10/magazine/dangerous-driving.html

summary

This article explores the alarming rise in traffic fatalities in the United States. The author investigates various factors contributing to this increase, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in driving behavior (such as increased speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving), the influence of vehicle design, and the role of law enforcement and public policy. The piece highlights the complex interplay of individual actions, technological advancements, and societal factors in shaping road safety.

tags

traffic fatalities ꞏ road safety ꞏ driving behavior ꞏ distracted driving ꞏ aggressive driving ꞏ speed cameras ꞏ road rage ꞏ COVID-19 ꞏ public policy ꞏ law enforcement ꞏ vehicle design ꞏ psychology