Good News: Traffic Fatalities Decline

Year Deaths/100M miles B Miles M Population Miles/Person

1940 11 300 132 2,200

1950 7 460 152 3,000

1960 5 720 181 4,000

1970 5 1,100 205 5,400

1980 3 1,530 227 6,700

1990 2 2,140 249 8,600

2000 1.5 2,750 282 9,700

2010 1.1 2,970 309 9,600

2019 1.1 3,220 327 9,900

Motor vehicle fatality rate in U.S. by year – Wikipedia

Between 1940 and 2010, traffic fatalities per mile travelled declined by 90%!!! This is an amazing story that received/receives limited media coverage. Year by year the death rate declined. Not as sensational as a single fatal crash; all of which were covered.

At the human level, this is great news. 90% fewer deaths. Less loss of humanity. Less loss of human potential. Fewer children without parents. Fewer funerals.

This reflects several positive drivers. Better cars. Auto manufacturers investing in safety. Fewer older/unsafe cars on the road. Better government regulations. Better driving. Better drivers training. Better policing. Better maintenance. Better roads. Better expectations. Better media coverage. Limited access highways. More roundabouts. Better signage. Better maps. Americans believe in “continuous improvement” and make it happen.

Unsafe at Any Speed – Wikipedia

It also shows the greater mobility/freedom of American citizens. The miles travelled per person increased 5-fold in 60 years. Greater freedom of choice. More options for work, goods, services and leisure. More travel baseball. More vacations. More weekend trips. More visits with relatives.

2019 Fatality Data Show Continued Annual Decline in Traffic Deaths | NHTSA

In 2020, we have had a temporary reversal of the long-term trend, driven by bad driving on empty roads. This WAS covered by the media.

Pandemic travel: Traffic deaths up 8% in 2020 despite driving less (usatoday.com)

Driving Was Down In 2020, But Traffic Fatality Rates Surged : NPR

The rapid growth of safe travel in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s was captured in popular media.

Top 25 Car Songs of All Time as Voted by the HOT ROD Readers

My boomer favorites (enjoy):

BEEP BEEP ~ THE LITTLE NASH RAMBLER ~ The PLAYMATES ~ ANIMATION – YouTube

Golden Earring – Radar Love (1973) – YouTube

409-the Beach Boys – YouTube

william devaughn – Diamond In the Back – YouTube

Deep Purple – Highway Star 1972 Video HQ – YouTube