Is the U.S. Behind Other Countries in Traffic Safety?

Jul 27,2018

A recent study published by the RAND Corporation shows that the U.S. is lagging behind other high-income countries in traffic safety. In fact, in 2013, the U.S. roadway death rate was more than twice the average of other high-income countries. Nearly all of those countries have experienced greater improvements in road safety than the U.S. in the past 20 years.

Why is the U.S. Behind in Road Safety?

The primary reason the U.S. is behind other countries in traffic safety is that Americans drive significantly more than people in other countries. Another reason is enforcement of traffic safety laws. A 2013 report by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found that the U.S. is fairly loose in enforcing traffic safety laws, such as speeding and seat belt use. It also found that blood-alcohol limits enforced in the U.S. are higher than those in other countries. Americans also have worse rates of seat belt use, and on average drive much faster than drivers from other countries.

What is Road to Zero?

The National Safety Council (NSC), with the cooperation of hundreds of industry groups, has created an initiative called Road to Zero. It’s a national strategy to eliminate roadway deaths by 2050, and includes recommendations such as physical changes to city streetscapes for improved safety, and participation of automakers and technology companies to help solve the problem of traffic fatalities.

“Traffic safety is something that concerns all of us, and organizations across the board should be working toward improving road safety,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.