The rate of car crash fatalities has increased steadily since 2020. In part, it’s driven by America’s love affair with large vehicles and smartphones. However, experts also believe that the increase in traffic fatalities is pointing to a larger mental health crisis. Driving has become an outlet for some people to express rage and frustration.
How Driving Fatalities Have Increased
When cars were first invented, traffic deaths were quite high as most were not familiar with the new technology. However, as road infrastructure and car technology got better, driving eventually became safer as well. Things like seat belts, airbags, cameras, and blind spot sensors have also helped in the modern age. In 2010, car crash death rates were about 10% of what they were in 1920.
That has continued to be the trend until the pandemic. Between 2020 and 2021, the amount of crashes went up by 16%. What does this look like daily? It means that 16,500 wrecks are happening every day in America. Some of these simply land drivers in the body shop with a costly repair bill, but nearly 43,000 Americans did not walk away from these wrecks.
The cause of death in these situations was largely due to driving while intoxicated, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt. The crash deaths can also be tied to the preference for large vehicles. Trucks and SUVs are more dangerous to pedestrians.
Why Mental Health Plays a Role
During the pandemic, many people became frustrated with various things that were happening. One theory is that more people were relying on drugs and alcohol and then going out on the road under the influence. They were already ready to be provoked, and all it took was an irritating action by another vehicle to set them off.
Another factor is very likely the smartphone addiction in America. More than in other countries, American drivers use their phones on the road. This leads to distracted driving and inevitably, more car crashes and crash deaths. More Americans than ever have become addicted to social media and their smartphones tend to be the main way they access it.
Cell phone use has long been a factor in car crashes in America, but it has gotten worse thanks to the incredible amount of features that phones now have. All it takes is a prolonged glance at a smartphone screen to take your attention from the road in front of you.
Exploring Solutions
Solutions to the traffic death epidemic in America are out there but may require a multi-pronged approach. Increasing the safety of roadways is important as is strong enforcement of traffic laws with an emphasis on speeding, reckless driving, and intoxicated driving. It’s also important for novice drivers to receive education on smartphone use while driving and their responsibility to look out for cyclists and pedestrians.
On an individual note, you can do your part by not driving while impaired and actively reducing your smartphone use while driving. If you don’t need a large vehicle, you might also consider downsizing as well.
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