Podcasts > The Daily > Why Are So Many More Pedestrians Dying in the U.S.?

Why Are So Many More Pedestrians Dying in the U.S.?

By The New York Times

In a sobering episode of "The Daily," speakers Sabrina Tavernise and Emily Badger delve into the disturbing increase in pedestrian fatalities across the United States. They explore how the advent of smartphones has contributed significantly to driver distraction, particularly at night—a factor that correlates with the 85% rise in deaths during those hours since 2009. With pedestrians navigating more dangerous terrain due to societal shifts, such as the growth of Sunbelt cities and changes in demographics, the podcast presents an alarming look at how modern technology and urban development have inadvertently jeopardized pedestrian safety.

The conversation also turns a critical eye on the transportation infrastructure of America, highlighting the systemic issues that put vehicle speed above pedestrian well-being. From the perilous arterial roads in suburbia to a general cultural indifference to pedestrian zones, Tavernise and Badger offer an in-depth analysis of the elements that have led to an uptick in incidents during the pandemic as roads became less congested but more hazardous. They argue that a radical shift in both mindset and structural design is urgently required to halt the troubling trend of pedestrian casualties, proposing comprehensive solutions to transform the nation's approach to traffic safety and urban planning.

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Why Are So Many More Pedestrians Dying in the U.S.?

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Why Are So Many More Pedestrians Dying in the U.S.?

1-Page Summary

The sharp rise in pedestrian deaths in the U.S. since 2009

Pedestrian deaths in the United States have seen a worrying increase since 2009, a trend that is particularly pronounced during nighttime hours. Approximately 85% of this rise is associated with incidents occurring at night, and one of the suspected contributing factors to this increase is driver distraction, notably from the widespread use of smartphones that became prevalent around 2007. The use of smartphones by drivers is especially prominent in the evening, a time commonly utilized for social and work-related communications. Additionally, the prevalence of automatic transmission vehicles in America is believed to enable easier smartphone distraction while driving when compared to manual vehicles, which are more common in Europe. This issue is compounded by demographic trends such as the migration of Americans to Sunbelt cities, where pedestrian infrastructure may not be as developed, increasing their vulnerability to traffic incidents. Factors like homelessness and the suburbanization of poverty also emerge as relevant concerns, as they expose those affected to dangerous roads and increase their risk as pedestrians.

The transportation infrastructure and systems in the U.S. prioritize vehicle speed over pedestrian safety

Transportation infrastructure in the United States is heavily focused on facilitating vehicle speed and tends to neglect pedestrian safety. This bias is evident in the design of Sunbelt cities, which were built with car travel predominance in mind, resulting in inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. Particularly dangerous are the arterial roads, common in areas like Portland and suburban locations, which are tailored for high-speed traffic and often lack sufficient amenities for pedestrian safety, such as well-designed crosswalks and frequent stoplights. As cities become more expensive, individuals moving to the suburbs are facing higher risks due to this lack of safe pedestrian infrastructure. The overall transportation system in the U.S. has proven detrimental to pedestrians, with the pandemic highlighting the issue through an increase in fast and reckless driving on less congested streets, leading to fatal consequences for pedestrians. To curb the trend of rising pedestrian fatalities, the United States must undergo a cultural and structural transformation that includes a rehaul of road design philosophy. Safer road designs, stricter enforcement against dangerous driving, and a shift in the cultural understanding of road use are critical to prioritizing pedestrian safety over the convenience of vehicle speed.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The term "Sunbelt cities" typically refers to cities located in the southern and southwestern regions of the United States, characterized by warm climates and rapid population growth. These cities often have urban planning and infrastructure that prioritize car travel over pedestrian safety, leading to challenges for those on foot. The term highlights the geographical area where these cities are situated and the specific urban development patterns that have influenced pedestrian safety concerns. Sunbelt cities have seen significant demographic shifts and urban sprawl, impacting pedestrian infrastructure and safety measures.
  • Arterial roads are major thoroughfares designed for high-speed traffic flow, often lacking pedestrian-friendly features like crosswalks and traffic signals. These roads prioritize vehicle movement over pedestrian safety, making them hazardous for those on foot. The design of arterial roads can lead to increased risks for pedestrians due to limited safe crossing points and higher vehicle speeds. This lack of pedestrian infrastructure on arterial roads can contribute to a higher likelihood of accidents involving pedestrians.
  • The pandemic led to reduced traffic congestion, prompting some drivers to speed recklessly on less crowded roads, increasing the risk for pedestrians due to the higher speeds and reduced reaction times of drivers.
  • To prioritize pedestrian safety over vehicle speed, a cultural and structural transformation is necessary in the U.S. This involves shifting societal norms to value pedestrian well-being and implementing changes in infrastructure design to enhance safety measures. By reevaluating road design philosophies, enforcing stricter regulations against dangerous driving behaviors, and fostering a cultural shift towards safer road use, the focus can be redirected towards protecting pedestrians from traffic hazards.

Counterarguments

  • The correlation between smartphone use and pedestrian deaths may not imply causation; other factors could also contribute to the rise in pedestrian fatalities.
  • While automatic transmissions might facilitate distraction, they also allow drivers to focus more on their surroundings instead of gear shifting, which could potentially improve safety.
  • The increase in pedestrian deaths at night could be influenced by factors other than smartphone use, such as poor street lighting or pedestrians wearing non-reflective clothing.
  • Migration to Sunbelt cities and the associated risks might be offset by other safety measures these cities have implemented, which are not mentioned in the text.
  • The assertion that U.S. transportation infrastructure prioritizes vehicle speed over pedestrian safety is a generalization and may not hold true for all cities or regions.
  • The design of arterial roads for high-speed traffic is not inherently unsafe for pedestrians if appropriate safety measures, like pedestrian bridges or tunnels, are in place.
  • The pandemic's impact on driving behavior and pedestrian safety might be temporary and not indicative of a long-term trend.
  • The call for a cultural and structural transformation may overlook existing efforts and improvements in pedestrian safety already underway in various U.S. cities.
  • The focus on stricter enforcement against dangerous driving does not address the potential for increased pedestrian education on road safety and awareness.
  • The idea that suburbs inherently pose higher risks to pedestrians may not consider the presence of communities designed with pedestrian safety in mind, such as those with extensive trail systems and controlled crossings.
  • The need for safer road designs must be balanced with the practical considerations of traffic flow and the economic implications of large-scale infrastructure changes.

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Why Are So Many More Pedestrians Dying in the U.S.?

The sharp rise in pedestrian deaths in the U.S. since 2009

There has been a distressing trend in the United States marked by a significant rise in pedestrian death since 2009, which stands in stark contrast to the situation in other industrialized countries.

Majority of the increase is due to pedestrian deaths at night

Driver distraction by smartphones is a likely contributing factor

Badger and Tavernise connect the surge in pedestrian fatalities with the proliferation of smartphones beginning around 2007. Federal data analysis indicates that roughly 85% of the increase in pedestrian fatalities since 2009 occurs at night. Emily Badger emphasizes that the precise reasons behind the nighttime increase in pedestrian deaths remain uncertain, but the sensorium of distractions introduced by smartphones and complex in-vehicle technology systems, akin to having a large smartphone built into the car, might play a role.

American drivers are reportedly more engaged with their phones while driving, especially in the evening. This behavior could be attributed to the cultural norm in the U.S. of using this time for coordinating social events or catching up with work-related communication.

Americans' addiction to automatic transmission enables easier smartphone distraction

One particular feature of the American driving landscape that facilitates smartphone distraction is the dominance of automatic transmission vehicles. These vehicles can be operated with one hand, leaving the other free to interact with a smartphone, unlike in Europe, where manual transmission requires two hands, thus making the distraction of a smartphone more challenging to entertain.

Movement of Americans to Sunbelt cities increases pedestrian exposure to danger

Although not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, the noted issues around pedestrian safety, such as distraction by smartphones, can be exacerbated by the movement of Americans to Sunbelt cities, where pedestrian infrastructure may be less developed, and people are thus more exposed to traffic.

Homelessness and the e ...

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The sharp rise in pedestrian deaths in the U.S. since 2009

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Automatic transmission vehicles make it easier for drivers to operate the car with one hand, leaving the other hand free for smartphone use. In contrast, manual transmission vehicles require the use of both hands for shifting gears, making it less convenient to engage with a smartphone while driving. This convenience in automatic vehicles can contribute to distracted driving behaviors, potentially increasing the risk of accidents on the road. The design of automatic transmission vehicles in the U.S. may inadvertently facilitate distractions like smartphone use while driving.
  • Sunbelt cities are regions in the southern and southwestern United States known for their warm climate and rapid population growth. The movement of Americans to Sunbelt cities has led to urban sprawl and the development of areas with less pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. This can increase the exposure of pedestrians to traffic dangers, especially if the cities lack proper pedestrian safety measures. The suburbanization of these areas may also contribute to higher pedestrian risks due to factors like increased vehicle traffic and inadequate pedestrian pathways.
  • Suburbanization of poverty is the trend where poverty increasingly concentrates i ...

Counterarguments

  • The increase in pedestrian deaths may not be solely due to smartphone distractions; other factors such as road design, lighting, and vehicle speeds could also be significant contributors.
  • While automatic transmissions may facilitate smartphone use, it is not the transmission type but the behavior of the driver that is the primary issue; manual transmission drivers can also be distracted.
  • The assertion that American drivers are more engaged with their phones in the evening could be an oversimplification; driver distraction can occur at any time of day and may not be limited to social or work-related communications.
  • The movement to Sunbelt cities might not be the only urban development factor; the design and planning of cities in general, including those outside the Sunbelt, could influence pedestrian safety.
  • While homelessness and the suburbanization of poverty are serious issues, there may be additional socioeconomic and infrastructure factors affecting pedestrian safety that are not mentioned, such as public transportation availability and pedestrian education.
  • The focus on night-time pedestrian fatalities could overshadow the need for safety improvements during the day when many pede ...

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Why Are So Many More Pedestrians Dying in the U.S.?

The transportation infrastructure and systems in the U.S. prioritize vehicle speed over pedestrian safety

The current transportation infrastructure in the United States demonstrates a significant bias toward vehicle speed at the expense of pedestrian safety, raising concerns and calling for a cultural and structural shift towards better protection for those on foot.

Sunbelt regions epitomize this problem; they were developed with the ubiquity of cars in mind. These regions lack strong transit networks but have extensive road systems that are designed for high-speed travel. As a result, pedestrian safety is often compromised.

The Danger of High-Speed Arterial Roads

Arterial roads in places like Portland and various suburban areas are known to be particularly perilous for pedestrians. These roads, designed for high-speed vehicle traffic, frequently have inadequate pedestrian infrastructure and very occasional stoplights, making it dangerous for individuals attempting to cross.

As people are priced out of expensive neighborhoods and move to areas with less developed pedestrian infrastructures, they face increased risks. Research indicates that even though pedestrian fatalities are on the decline in downtown areas, they are on the rise in suburban areas where the infrastructure favors vehicle speed over pedestrian safety.

Transportation System and Safety Risks

Badger explains that the U.S. transportation system is fundamentally perilous and designed for speed rather than pedestrian protection. During the pandemic, the reduction in traffic gave drivers a false sense of security, leading to fast and reckless driving with deadl ...

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The transportation infrastructure and systems in the U.S. prioritize vehicle speed over pedestrian safety

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Sunbelt regions typically refer to areas in the southern United States characterized by warm climates and rapid population growth. These regions often have extensive car-centric infrastructure with limited pedestrian-friendly amenities, leading to safety concerns for those on foot. The focus on vehicle speed in these areas can pose risks to pedestrians due to inadequate safety measures. Sunbelt regions are known for their reliance on automobiles and the challenges this presents for pedestrian safety.
  • Arterial roads are high-capacity urban roads that serve as major routes for traffic flow between different areas. They are designed to efficiently connect smaller roads to freeways or expressways, facilitating the movement of vehicles across urban centers. Arterial roads often have limited access points and are crucial for urban development and land use planning. These roads prioritize traffic movement and are essential for maintaining a smooth flow of vehicles within a city or region.
  • "Recalibration of priorities" in the context of transportation infrastructure means reassessing and adjusting the current focus and importance placed on different aspects of the system. This involves shifting attention and re ...

Counterarguments

  • The design of transportation infrastructure must balance multiple factors, including the needs of commuters, commercial transportation, and emergency services, all of which may require efficient vehicle travel.
  • Pedestrian safety is a complex issue that involves not only infrastructure but also education, enforcement of traffic laws, and personal responsibility.
  • Some arterial roads are designed with the intention of moving large volumes of traffic efficiently to reduce congestion in other parts of the city, which can also have safety benefits.
  • The rise in pedestrian fatalities in suburban areas may not be solely due to infrastructure design but could also be influenced by factors such as increased distraction from mobile devices, both for drivers and pedestrians.
  • The comparison with other countries may not account for differences in urban planning, population density, cultural attitudes towards transportation, and other variables that affect the feasibility and success of different transportation policies.
  • The pandemic's impact on driving behavior may have been temporary and not indica ...

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