Why Are So Many More Pedestrians Dying in the U.S.?

Overview

• Lecture by: Sabrina Tavernise from The New York Times, speaking with Emily Badger.
• Main Topic: Investigation into the rise in pedestrian deaths in the U.S.
• Timeframe: Notable increase starting around 2009.

Key Points

Historical Context

• Pedestrian deaths declined for decades (1980s-2000s) before increasing post-2009.
• Over 3,000 additional pedestrian deaths in 2021 compared to 2009.
• U.S. trend is unique; other industrialized countries do not show similar patterns.

Investigation Approach

• Team: Emily Badger and Ben Blatt.
• Method: Analyzing federal fatality data and identifying patterns.

Main Findings

Nighttime Fatalities

• 85% of increased deaths since 2009 occur at night.

Potential Causes and Theories

1. Smartphone Proliferation

   • Introduction of iPhones in 2007, widespread by 2009.
   • Increases in driver distraction due to touch screens in cars.
   • American drivers reportedly use phones more while driving compared to other countries.
   • Cultural factors: automatic vs. manual transmissions affecting phone use while driving.

2. Vehicle Size and Design

   • Increase in size of American cars (higher hoods).
   • Larger cars pose greater fatality risks but do not explain the nighttime increase.

3. Demographic and Urban Changes

   • Migration to Sun Belt regions with poor pedestrian infrastructure.
   • Increase in homelessness, leading to more vulnerable populations exposed at night.
   • Suburbanization of poverty leading to more pedestrians in car-centric regions.

Broader Implications

• U.S. transportation infrastructure inherently risky and designed for speed.
• During COVID-19, fewer cars led to increased pedestrian fatalities, highlighting systemic issues.

Solutions and Insights

• Other countries prioritize pedestrian safety through infrastructure and regulation.
• U.S. needs cultural and infrastructure changes to reduce fatalities.
• Emphasis on changing road designs and strict enforcement of traffic laws.

Conclusion

• No single cause identified; multiple interacting factors.
• Fundamental changes needed in U.S. road safety priorities.

Additional Notes

• Rising homelessness and demographic shifts contribute to increased pedestrian exposure.
• The U.S. must invest in road safety design similar to global counterparts for effective results.