The design of roads in the US, prioritizing car movement and high speeds, contributes to the increase in pedestrian deaths.
Distracted driving, including cell phone use and inattentional blindness, is a major factor in pedestrian deaths.
Deep dives
The Danger of Pedestrian Deaths in the US
Pedestrian deaths in the US have been on the rise, with the rate per mile driven being the highest in over 40 years. Even during the pandemic, pedestrian deaths continued to increase. The US has a higher death rate compared to other high-income countries. The podcast explores the reasons behind this trend, highlighting factors such as larger and faster cars, increased distractions, road design prioritizing cars over pedestrians, and the use of the 85th percentile rule for setting speed limits.
The Role of Infrastructure and Road Design
The design of roads in the US, prioritizing car movement and high speeds, contributes to the increase in pedestrian deaths. Arterial streets with multiple lanes, driveways, and little pedestrian protection are particularly dangerous. Narrowing roadways, adding pedestrian infrastructure, and implementing speed cameras are suggested strategies to make streets safer for pedestrians.
The Impact of Distractions and Inattentional Blindness
Distracted driving is a major factor in pedestrian deaths, with activities such as cell phone use significantly increasing crash risk. Inattentional blindness, where drivers fail to see objects right in front of them due to multitasking, further contributes to accidents. Dashboard displays and voice assistants in cars also pose distractions, with the need for improvement in their design and regulation.
Efforts to Improve Pedestrian Safety
Efforts to improve pedestrian safety include lowering speed limits, implementing speed cameras, and creating shared streets that prioritize the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing the role of drivers and shifting the default blame away from pedestrians. Parental advocacy, improved infrastructure, and balancing the needs of drivers and pedestrians are crucial in reducing pedestrian deaths.