Cell phones rival drunk drivers in causing fatalities

For the majority of its existence, the automobile has undergone a remarkable transformation in terms of safety. Advances in road and vehicle design, the implementation of seatbelts, and increased awareness of issues like drunken driving have collectively contributed to a nearly 90 percent reduction in the death rate from vehicle crashes since the 1920s. However, this positive trend took a distressing turn about a decade ago, especially in the United States, where vehicle-related deaths have seen an alarming increase.

Consider this grim reality: If the United States had matched the progress made by other high-income countries in reducing vehicle crashes over the past two decades, approximately 25,000 fewer Americans would lose their lives every year. The question arises: What has caused this unfortunate deviation from the global trend of declining vehicle-related fatalities?

In a recent New York Times report by Emily Badger, Ben Blatt, and Josh Katz, a crucial aspect of the mystery is unveiled: a surge in pedestrian deaths, particularly at night. While several potential explanations were explored, the most significant shift in driver behavior seems to be the use of smartphones. The rise of these ubiquitous devices, coupled with their addiction, has created a lethal combination on the roads.

The introduction of smartphones, particularly Apple’s iPhone in 2007, marked a turning point. Within a few years, one-third of American adults owned smartphones, and this rapid adoption closely paralleled the spike in pedestrian fatalities. Surveys indicate that American drivers spend more time on their phones while driving compared to drivers in other countries. This behavior is not just a cultural nuance but is also fueled by the prevalence of automatic transmission vehicles in the U.S., allowing drivers to engage with their phones more easily.

Matt Fiorentino, a vice president at Cambridge Mobile Telematics, points out, “The adoption of smartphones for the past 15 years — where we are today, being addicted to social media and other apps — absolutely contributes to the increase in fatalities on our roads.”

While smartphones are a major contributor, other factors like the legalization of marijuana, the opioid epidemic, and the lack of infrastructure, such as sidewalks and crosswalks in certain regions, play a role as well. The growth of the population in areas with inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, the increase in homelessness, and the prevalence of hit-and-run accidents add further complexity to the issue.

Addressing this crisis demands a multi-faceted approach. Some problems, like the spread of legal marijuana and opioid addiction, are complex and challenging to solve. However, there are practical and feasible solutions that state and local governments seem hesitant to implement. Building safe sidewalks, as seen in Europe, is a cost-effective measure. Utilizing traffic cameras to identify and penalize drivers engaged in texting is another readily available solution.

The United States has inadvertently chosen to accept a vehicle death rate that is significantly higher than that of comparable countries. This decision has real, heartbreaking consequences, as illustrated by recent incidents of pedestrians losing their lives in preventable accidents.

The time has come for a collective effort to prioritize road safety. Implementing proven solutions and cultivating a culture that discourages distracted driving can help bring the U.S. back in line with the global trend of reducing vehicle-related fatalities.

It’s high time to put down the phones and prioritize human lives on the road.