Freakonomics Radio
548. Why Is the U.S. So Good at Killing Pedestrians?
Jul 6, 2023
Kelsey Ralph, a transportation scholar from Rutgers University, and David Strayer, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, dive into the alarming rise of pedestrian deaths in the U.S. They explore the cultural implications of car-centric urban designs and advocate for systemic changes to improve safety. The discussion covers the dangers of distractions like cell phones while driving and highlights how societal behaviors, particularly during the pandemic, may exacerbate aggressive driving. Both guests envision a future with safer streets and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure.
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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