Freakonomics Radio

The Perfect Crime (Rebroadcast)

Mar 26, 2015
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INSIGHT

Lenient Laws for Pedestrian Deaths

  • In New York City, about 5% of drivers who kill a pedestrian are arrested due to narrow standards for conviction.
  • The "rule of two" requires two significant violations to charge—otherwise it's treated as an accident.
INSIGHT

Pedestrian Blame Is Murky

  • Pedestrian fault in crashes is unclear due to biased police reports relying on drivers' testimonies.
  • Around 37% of pedestrian fatalities involve intoxicated pedestrians, especially ages 25-34 where it rises to 50%.
INSIGHT

Historically Falling Pedestrian Deaths

  • Pedestrian deaths in the US peaked in early 1930s at about 16,000 annually but have fallen dramatically.
  • Their share of total traffic fatalities declined from nearly 40% in 1930s to 13-14% today.
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