TLDW; Cell phones + poor driving culture + pedestrian unfriendly infrastructure + higher vehicles = more deaths. Cell phones most strongly coincide with the timing of increase in deaths, but do not fully explain the trend. If you want to really understand the problem, you can't just 'pick one', even if it makes for a simpler explanation.
In my Lake Erie community of just under 100K residents it is the exact issue. As a safe streets advocate we have fought city/county/state governments to be more reasonable with little success. There is a lot to your report. Street design for the most vulnerable not for increasing motor vehicle movement. Thank you.
Just wanted to comment on one thing, the numbers you compared regarding manual transmissions were not comparable. It was stated that "In the US, the percent of cars *sold this year* that have a manual transmission is about 1%" which was then contrasted with "the share of cars *on the road* in Europe that have a manual transmission is 70-75%". You can't use the total number of cars on the road with manual transmissions to compare to the number of cars sold this year that have manual transmissions. Manual transmissions are on the decline everywhere, and while they are more common in Europe, very few manufactures even use manual transmissions anymore, so the number sold *this year* in Europe with a manual transmission would also likely be pretty low. Just had to point that out, the misleading data bugged me as soon as I heard the statement when listening.
It truly makes me angry how hard it is to live in the U.S. without owning a private car. I eventually gave up and moved out of the country because I hated having to own 2000 lbs of metal just to get from point A to point B in the US. I have travelled to 26 countries in my life and I can truly say that the US is the worst country that I have visited in terms of public transportation and the ability to live without a private vehicle. I also hate the fact that US cities do so little to protect bicyclists. Where are the protected bike lanes? Where are all the features that designed to slow down traffic and eliminate the dangerous stroads? The US simply doesn't care about people who don't own cars, and it shows in how its cities are designed. It is such an antisocial attitude that relegates people who don't own cars to second-class citizenship. I hate going to the US to visit family, because I literally cannot go anywhere without a private car. Nobody in the US ever asks what is the social cost of forcing everyone to own a private car--instead they regard car ownership as a matter of personal freedom which is a really screwed up way to view the world. When you look at the total cost of ownership, the US imposes a huge TAX on people just to be able to enjoy basic transport, because everyone has to pay the private car tax if they want to have a reasonable life in the US.
I assume you've yet to see the animated film, "Who framed Roger Rabbit?" The ending explains a lot. Blame Big Oil and Big Auto and the corrupt politicians who let them get away with getting rid of highly efficient mass transit trolleys and foisting wasteful, polluting autos on our cities... 'Nuff said. Be well.
@@socratesagain7822 Be careful with that narrative. It's true to an extent, but a lot of transportation services were private at the time, and were running into huge financial issues. For example, in Honolulu where I live, the trolley company was losing profits during their all-time peak in ridership because they couldn't keep up with track maintenance. The final death knell was the automobile, but it's possible that these systems would have survived if the government stepped in sooner or they had more profitable business models. Imagine you're struggling to keep up with maintenance costs despite serving nearly the entire city's population, and then even just 20% of these people switch to using cars. Now you have all of this infrastructure and your funds to maintain it are shrinking. It's an important lesson in why the government needs to be involved in transportation even if it's just in the form of PPP.
@@meijiishin5650 Aloha. I can appreciate your experience. But we can't get bogged down in economic and financial apples and oranges. For one, the Federal government provides massive subsidies and tax breaks to Big Auto. As a matter of fact, GM no longer makes much profit selling autos. It makes a bundle _financing_ their sale! In other words it joined the _Finance_ sector. Cars can become a loss leader. And, BTW, the federal government can print money to fund Congress's pet projects and the National Security State's wars. Not so the states. Otherwise, I assure you Hawaii would print money lo subsidize its transport-challenged citizens. BTW, who pays for paving state highways and streets, lighting for same, signs, traffic enforcement, etc.? Hawaii. That's where your taxes go. It's an "indirect" subsidy for Big Auto. You get what you subsidize. The Feds and Hawaii subsidize private autos to the detriment of mass transit. Lat Big Auto pick up the tab for road maintenance and its appurtenant externalities.... Hawaii's citizens, sadly, are _stuck_ with this "invisible" Big Auto subsidy "tab." Also, the _track maintenance_ costs doesn't sell with me as any business worth its spreadsheets factors this _constant_ (plus inflation) in as well, as did its marketing studies. I smell a private equity rat. Big Trolley's apologists should give you and me a break I assure you that should the Feds stop Big Auto subsidies and infused mass transit with cash flow, the former would disappear and mass transit would become the only game in town. But those _financial_ choices were made long ago by folks either "smarter" or _greedier_ than you or me. I stand by the "Roger Rabbit" comparison. Be well.
I think the section on the change in cars is severely lacking in commentary on the factor that is changes in headlights. The lights are on average MUCH brighter than they were years ago, and paired with the increasing size of newer cars, they are often at the exact height to hit the eyeline for a driver in a sedan or other low cars. I and many drivers my age find that we DO NOT feel safe driving at night because we find ourselves blinded by oncoming traffic or cars in our rear view mirrors. This is not just a matter of the drivers, but the manufacturers; you can't really buy a car with weaker lights the way you can buy one with heated seats. I'd have also liked to hear you touch on the factor of increasing fatigue in drivers coming home when you talked about the afterwork cell usage, since drowsy driving is known to be incredibly dangerous, and increasing wealth inequality means a lot of people in those low-income areas you mentioned are working multiple jobs and thus more fatigued when driving. I do appreciate the explanation that the United States car-centric infrastructure is hostile to pedestrians, but I think it could have benefited from greater focus. If you ever do a follow-up, I would suggest reaching out to urbanism activists like Not Just Bikes.
A lot of these deaths are taking place in states that have a lot of citizens who would have been quite upset at 'something else' that happened in 2008/2009, and perpetually irritated people drive worse
As a frequent cycle-commuter, my anecdotal experience was that in 2016 there was a noticeable increase in rage in at me (an everyday cyclist who follows traffic rules), people yelling and throwing things at me, honking for no apparent reason, people passing very close, and generally just being really upset that I existed and was using the public road. Fortunately that has majorly improved in recent years.
America’s are 2 1/2 times more likely to die in a car/pedestrian accident as Canadians. Our vehicles are generally smaller and speed limits are lower, but most cars have automatic transmissions like in the US. However, the fine for a first time driving offence using a cell phone is $200 where I live vs $30 in Florida.
Been talking to our village council for over a year and 1/2 about this issue. They arrogantly refuse to admit this is an issue here in spite of furious residents telling them of the issue
I also see way more people walking on the wrong side of the road, walking in dark clothing, and walking on the road instead of off the road in the grass or otherwise. People are just not learning to be safe these days. Combine that with cell phones in cars and in pedestrian hands….perfect storm. I remember being taught how to be careful as a pedestrian…..I ask my students what they know of pedestrian safety and…..crickets. Oh yeah and pedestrians wearing earbuds.
@@SpenserB. yeah I guess I got board because the causes seemed pretty obvious, but it’s great they spent time and money verifying the obvious😂, trendy reply btw
Sorry to have to offer these tips to pedestrians in this manner, but: Assume that all operators of motor vehicles are oblivious to you. Do not ever put headphones on while walking or riding bicycle out there.
It’s the operators responsibility 100% to not hit a pedestrian, every time full stop. Homeless meth man jumps in front of you and you can’t stop? Still the driver’s fault. It’s always the driver’s responsibility and that many feel as you do helps show how hard this problem is to solve. It’s often assumed the driver is never at fault even when the cyclist, kid, or whatever body lay there dead underneath
I wonder what the demographics was/is of the increased fatalities. I will estimate that majority of individuals were poorer and with more melanin than the average American.
Excellent in-depth investigation. The best, the most significant finding arrives at the end of the podcast. It’s street design! Thank you Mary Beth Kelly, Co-Founder: Families for Safe Streets.
Um, Uber Technologies incorporated was founded in 2009. That's a US centric driving risk that fits your timeline and more likely to be active after 9 to 5 work hours.
its simple, no-fault traffic accidents, dedicated law enforcement, DA's, judges.. If we update the laws to link reckless driving, speeding, distracted etc..to serious prosecution, loss of drivers licenses, insurance If people lose their drivers licenses, are fined $10,000s, hit with medical bills, felony prosecuted & jail, prison 30-180 days for light injury 6 mo to 3yrs for serious injury 3-8yrs for causing fatalities mid to long term loss of insurability, drivers license
People running red lights are a huge problem, I see it frequently and I have NEVER seen anyone pulled over for it. Red light cameras are quasi-outlawed on my area so there is effectively zero enforcement and some drivers have adjusted their behavior accordingly.
I intuited two "causes" by the title alone. The plethora of _houseless_ individuals roaming all over the city. The preference these past two decades for... _black_ garments which cloaks these folks in further "invisibility!" When she mentioned 2009 (recall, 2008 introduced us to Wall Street's "The Great Recession" and the wealth shifting "bail-out") as the year of the rise, well... Tons of individuals, including young families hit the streets, many living in cars. They drive these up and down the street looking for a vacant curb so as not to lose their spots while avoiding municipal harassment. They tend to _walk_ everywhere which saves on costly gas and wear and tear on these rolling shelters. My turf is the west coast. LA, San Diego, the Bay and Seattle have become an economic scandal due to the numbers cast into the streets due to inflation... All of the above said, this item tragically reminds me of that satirical SF movie, "Death Race 2000" (the Stallone/Carradine version). We _need_ a new "New Deal." Be well.
Safe driving of any motorized vehicle can ask the driver for full attention span (and experienced driving skills) in any given moment. The free right hand, the automatic transmission gives American drivers to interact with their devices, divides their attention span. Division conquers the advantage of anyone’s awareness when the unexpected happens (driver and pedestrian). Divide and conquer works on all scales human.
You struck a nerve. A town up the road created a massive speed trap using the excuse (and anecdotes) of "struck pedestrians." A glance at that city's records indicates it's a cheap move to balance the budget on the backs of drivers who forget to glance at their speedometers every two seconds...which forces them to take their eyes off the road and increases the risk of collisions with other drivers or semi-suicidal pedestrians. Be well.
Like true researchers they avoid reductionism and essentialism. A "pure" cause and effect explanation won't cover the case of every struck pedestrian or even a majority. Life is like that. Be well.
![[กูเพิ่งซื้อมึงปิดหนี] 20 นาที ผมรีวิวเกมที่แย่ที่สุดในโลก CONCORD](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XhC-3q3Ii7I/mqdefault.jpg)
TLDW; Cell phones + poor driving culture + pedestrian unfriendly infrastructure + higher vehicles = more deaths.
Cell phones most strongly coincide with the timing of increase in deaths, but do not fully explain the trend.
If you want to really understand the problem, you can't just 'pick one', even if it makes for a simpler explanation.
In my Lake Erie community of just under 100K residents it is the exact issue. As a safe streets advocate we have fought city/county/state governments to be more reasonable with little success. There is a lot to your report.
Street design for the most vulnerable not for increasing motor vehicle movement.
Thank you.
Just wanted to comment on one thing, the numbers you compared regarding manual transmissions were not comparable.
It was stated that "In the US, the percent of cars *sold this year* that have a manual transmission is about 1%" which was then contrasted with "the share of cars *on the road* in Europe that have a manual transmission is 70-75%".
You can't use the total number of cars on the road with manual transmissions to compare to the number of cars sold this year that have manual transmissions. Manual transmissions are on the decline everywhere, and while they are more common in Europe, very few manufactures even use manual transmissions anymore, so the number sold *this year* in Europe with a manual transmission would also likely be pretty low.
Just had to point that out, the misleading data bugged me as soon as I heard the statement when listening.
It truly makes me angry how hard it is to live in the U.S. without owning a private car. I eventually gave up and moved out of the country because I hated having to own 2000 lbs of metal just to get from point A to point B in the US. I have travelled to 26 countries in my life and I can truly say that the US is the worst country that I have visited in terms of public transportation and the ability to live without a private vehicle. I also hate the fact that US cities do so little to protect bicyclists. Where are the protected bike lanes? Where are all the features that designed to slow down traffic and eliminate the dangerous stroads? The US simply doesn't care about people who don't own cars, and it shows in how its cities are designed. It is such an antisocial attitude that relegates people who don't own cars to second-class citizenship. I hate going to the US to visit family, because I literally cannot go anywhere without a private car.
Nobody in the US ever asks what is the social cost of forcing everyone to own a private car--instead they regard car ownership as a matter of personal freedom which is a really screwed up way to view the world. When you look at the total cost of ownership, the US imposes a huge TAX on people just to be able to enjoy basic transport, because everyone has to pay the private car tax if they want to have a reasonable life in the US.
And of course, if you can't drive due to disabilities, poverty, or other reasons, you may pay a blood tax instead.
I believe NYC does a reasonable job of providing armored bicycle lanes and is relatively bicycle friendly
I assume you've yet to see the animated film, "Who framed Roger Rabbit?" The ending explains a lot. Blame Big Oil and Big Auto and the corrupt politicians who let them get away with getting rid of highly efficient mass transit trolleys and foisting wasteful, polluting autos on our cities... 'Nuff said.
Be well.
@@socratesagain7822 Be careful with that narrative. It's true to an extent, but a lot of transportation services were private at the time, and were running into huge financial issues. For example, in Honolulu where I live, the trolley company was losing profits during their all-time peak in ridership because they couldn't keep up with track maintenance. The final death knell was the automobile, but it's possible that these systems would have survived if the government stepped in sooner or they had more profitable business models. Imagine you're struggling to keep up with maintenance costs despite serving nearly the entire city's population, and then even just 20% of these people switch to using cars. Now you have all of this infrastructure and your funds to maintain it are shrinking. It's an important lesson in why the government needs to be involved in transportation even if it's just in the form of PPP.
@@meijiishin5650 Aloha. I can appreciate your experience. But we can't get bogged down in economic and financial apples and oranges. For one, the Federal government provides massive subsidies and tax breaks to Big Auto. As a matter of fact, GM no longer makes much profit selling autos. It makes a bundle _financing_ their sale! In other words it joined the _Finance_ sector. Cars can become a loss leader. And, BTW, the federal government can print money to fund Congress's pet projects and the National Security State's wars. Not so the states. Otherwise, I assure you Hawaii would print money lo subsidize its transport-challenged citizens. BTW, who pays for paving state highways and streets, lighting for same, signs, traffic enforcement, etc.? Hawaii. That's where your taxes go. It's an "indirect" subsidy for Big Auto.
You get what you subsidize. The Feds and Hawaii subsidize private autos to the detriment of mass transit. Lat Big Auto pick up the tab for road maintenance and its appurtenant externalities.... Hawaii's citizens, sadly, are _stuck_ with this "invisible" Big Auto subsidy "tab."
Also, the _track maintenance_ costs doesn't sell with me as any business worth its spreadsheets factors this _constant_ (plus inflation) in as well, as did its marketing studies. I smell a private equity rat. Big Trolley's apologists should give you and me a break
I assure you that should the Feds stop Big Auto subsidies and infused mass transit with cash flow, the former would disappear and mass transit would become the only game in town. But those _financial_ choices were made long ago by folks either "smarter" or _greedier_ than you or me.
I stand by the "Roger Rabbit" comparison.
Be well.
Massive SUV’s that isolate drivers from anything outside, plus the visibility in front of SUV is very restricted by the size and high of the bonnet.
I think the section on the change in cars is severely lacking in commentary on the factor that is changes in headlights. The lights are on average MUCH brighter than they were years ago, and paired with the increasing size of newer cars, they are often at the exact height to hit the eyeline for a driver in a sedan or other low cars. I and many drivers my age find that we DO NOT feel safe driving at night because we find ourselves blinded by oncoming traffic or cars in our rear view mirrors. This is not just a matter of the drivers, but the manufacturers; you can't really buy a car with weaker lights the way you can buy one with heated seats.
I'd have also liked to hear you touch on the factor of increasing fatigue in drivers coming home when you talked about the afterwork cell usage, since drowsy driving is known to be incredibly dangerous, and increasing wealth inequality means a lot of people in those low-income areas you mentioned are working multiple jobs and thus more fatigued when driving.
I do appreciate the explanation that the United States car-centric infrastructure is hostile to pedestrians, but I think it could have benefited from greater focus.
If you ever do a follow-up, I would suggest reaching out to urbanism activists like Not Just Bikes.
Thank you for your study of this topic. As a pedestrian,I appreciate you and your investigation.
A lot of these deaths are taking place in states that have a lot of citizens who would have been quite upset at 'something else' that happened in 2008/2009, and perpetually irritated people drive worse
As a frequent cycle-commuter, my anecdotal experience was that in 2016 there was a noticeable increase in rage in at me (an everyday cyclist who follows traffic rules), people yelling and throwing things at me, honking for no apparent reason, people passing very close, and generally just being really upset that I existed and was using the public road. Fortunately that has majorly improved in recent years.
It's not auto transmission. It's narcissism.
America’s are 2 1/2 times more likely to die in a car/pedestrian accident as Canadians. Our vehicles are generally smaller and speed limits are lower, but most cars have automatic transmissions like in the US. However, the fine for a first time driving offence using a cell phone is $200 where I live vs $30 in Florida.
Been talking to our village council for over a year and 1/2 about this issue. They arrogantly refuse to admit this is an issue here in spite of furious residents telling them of the issue
the problem is that the most vulnerable of the victims are the most poltically powerless. Threfore nothing will change, yet.
I also see way more people walking on the wrong side of the road, walking in dark clothing, and walking on the road instead of off the road in the grass or otherwise. People are just not learning to be safe these days. Combine that with cell phones in cars and in pedestrian hands….perfect storm. I remember being taught how to be careful as a pedestrian…..I ask my students what they know of pedestrian safety and…..crickets. Oh yeah and pedestrians wearing earbuds.
Tell me you didn't listen to the whole thing without telling me you didn't listen to the whole thing
@@SpenserB. yeah I guess I got board because the causes seemed pretty obvious, but it’s great they spent time and money verifying the obvious😂, trendy reply btw
19:02 Very insightful on current safety concerns for pedestrians 🚶. I will be more cautious from now while crossing the streets in the evening’s.
Sorry to have to offer these tips to pedestrians in this manner, but:
Assume that all operators of motor vehicles are oblivious to you.
Do not ever put headphones on while walking or riding bicycle out there.
While I fully agree that distracted driving is the biggest problem on our roads today, I am certain that distracted walking also plays a part.
It’s the operators responsibility 100% to not hit a pedestrian, every time full stop. Homeless meth man jumps in front of you and you can’t stop? Still the driver’s fault. It’s always the driver’s responsibility and that many feel as you do helps show how hard this problem is to solve. It’s often assumed the driver is never at fault even when the cyclist, kid, or whatever body lay there dead underneath
I wonder what the demographics was/is of the increased fatalities. I will estimate that majority of individuals were poorer and with more melanin than the average American.
Excellent in-depth investigation. The best, the most significant finding arrives at the end of the podcast. It’s street design!
Thank you
Mary Beth Kelly, Co-Founder: Families for Safe Streets.
Um, Uber Technologies incorporated was founded in 2009. That's a US centric driving risk that fits your timeline and more likely to be active after 9 to 5 work hours.
Great piece of work 👏
its simple, no-fault traffic accidents, dedicated law enforcement, DA's, judges..
If we update the laws to link reckless driving, speeding, distracted etc..to serious prosecution, loss of drivers licenses, insurance
If people lose their drivers licenses, are fined $10,000s, hit with medical bills, felony prosecuted & jail, prison
30-180 days for light injury
6 mo to 3yrs for serious injury
3-8yrs for causing fatalities
mid to long term loss of insurability, drivers license
All of the above laws exist, including semi-draconian DUI laws and 5th Amendment-avoiding "hit and run" laws... Talk to any attorney.
Be well.
Drivers going faster *and* reducing minority populations.
It's everything Robert Moses ever wanted.
People running red lights are a huge problem, I see it frequently and I have NEVER seen anyone pulled over for it. Red light cameras are quasi-outlawed on my area so there is effectively zero enforcement and some drivers have adjusted their behavior accordingly.
I intuited two "causes" by the title alone. The plethora of _houseless_ individuals roaming all over the city. The preference these past two decades for... _black_ garments which cloaks these folks in further "invisibility!"
When she mentioned 2009 (recall, 2008 introduced us to Wall Street's "The Great Recession" and the wealth shifting "bail-out") as the year of the rise, well... Tons of individuals, including young families hit the streets, many living in cars. They drive these up and down the street looking for a vacant curb so as not to lose their spots while avoiding municipal harassment. They tend to _walk_ everywhere which saves on costly gas and wear and tear on these rolling shelters.
My turf is the west coast. LA, San Diego, the Bay and Seattle have become an economic scandal due to the numbers cast into the streets due to inflation...
All of the above said, this item tragically reminds me of that satirical SF movie, "Death Race 2000" (the Stallone/Carradine version).
We _need_ a new "New Deal."
Be well.
Safe driving of any motorized vehicle can ask the driver for full attention span (and experienced driving skills) in any given moment. The free right hand, the automatic transmission gives American drivers to interact with their devices, divides their attention span. Division conquers the advantage of anyone’s awareness when the unexpected happens (driver and pedestrian). Divide and conquer works on all scales human.
My bet is on SSRIs and Ambien.
Increased aggressive drivers. I see it as a 34 year driver. Its bad.
you mean lowering speed limits isnt working? execpt to raise tax revenue. get off your phone
You struck a nerve. A town up the road created a massive speed trap using the excuse (and anecdotes) of "struck pedestrians." A glance at that city's records indicates it's a cheap move to balance the budget on the backs of drivers who forget to glance at their speedometers every two seconds...which forces them to take their eyes off the road and increases the risk of collisions with other drivers or semi-suicidal pedestrians.
Be well.
I cannot quite put my finger on it. But this episode isn’t adding up.
Some problems are simple. They are complex and multi-variate, so you have to look at many factors.
Like true researchers they avoid reductionism and essentialism. A "pure" cause and effect explanation won't cover the case of every struck pedestrian or even a majority. Life is like that.
Be well.