In 2020, 42,929 people died in road traffic accidents in the United States, averaging 118 deaths every day. These fatalities occur all over the country, affecting individuals and communities. Additionally, there are around 2.5 million injuries resulting from over 6 million crashes annually. Globally, approximately 1.4 million people die in road traffic accidents each year, with about 3,700 deaths daily. Despite a significant reduction in road traffic fatalities over the years, from 18.5 deaths per 100 million miles in 1923 to about 1.5 deaths currently, the issue remains critical and underreported in the media.
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Mark Rosekind is an expert on road safety and a policy leader with more than 30 years of experience enacting strategic, practical, and effective data-based solutions that enhance driver and pedestrian safety and health in complex environments. In this episode, Mark delves into the persistent issue of accidental deaths resulting from roadway accidents, a concern for those focused on longevity given its consistent risk throughout life. From exploring statistics on car crashes to identifying the demographics most at risk and the key locations of incidents, he uncovers various risk factors including distractions like smartphone usage, the influence of alcohol and cannabis, the dangers of sleep deprivation, and speeding. Mark also provides practical advice for both drivers and pedestrians to enhance safety, while delving into the potential and challenges of emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles. Additionally, Mark provides valuable resources for listeners, particularly parents navigating the road safety landscape with teenage drivers.
We discuss:
- Mark’s background and education, and the profound impact of transportation accidents on human lives [4:15];
- From sleep science to safety leadership: Mark’s journey in transportation innovation [14:15];
- Stats on transportation accidents and fatalities [18:00];
- Historical trends in road fatalities and the key contributors—impairment, distraction, and more [28:00];
- The demographics of drivers involved in crashes, and the life-saving potential of better driver education programs [34:30];
- The most critical areas where drivers need to be hyper-aware to protect themselves [41:00];
- The role of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in accident investigations, and the importance of data sources like event data recorders (EDRs) in accident reconstruction and investigations [47:00];
- The dangers of phone use while driving [53:45];
- How drunk driving was addressed through advocacy and legal changes [1:01:30];
- The need to address distracted driving and the psychological impact of distracted driving accidents on both victims and perpetrators[1:07:15];
- Navigating the roads and lowering your risk of accidents: weather, human error, and defensive driving [1:15:45];
- The impact of impaired driving: alcohol, cannabis, prescription drugs, and more [1:26:15];
- Mitigating the effects of vehicle speed [1:38:15];
- The promise and challenges of autonomous vehicles for road safety [1:44:15];
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB): the effectiveness and challenges of implementing AEB as a standard feature in new vehicles [1:53:00];
- Sleep deprivation: the impact of poor sleep, drowsiness, and disrupted circadian rhythm on driving [1:58:15];
- Protecting pedestrians: strategies for reducing the risk of fatal accidents with pedestrians on foot or bicycle [2:02:30];
- Empowering safe driving: essential resources and tips for parents and teenage drivers [2:14:00];
- Promoting a culture of proactive safety: parting thoughts from Mark [2:19:15]; and
- More.
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