Looks like fatalities from auto accidents are down this year, with a small 4.2% drop in the months from May 2007 to February 2008 and huge 22.1% and 17.9% drops for March and April of this year. Good news all around, no doubt. The reason for these happy numbers? Those evil high gas prices.
The study’s author, Michael Sivak, said that high fuel costs have not only kept more cars off the road, they have transformed the way people drive. There is evidence that many motorists are slowing down to conserve fuel, which contributes to fewer and less severe crashes, he said.
Right on. This proves my theory that economic hardship for suburban commuters equals good news for me; in this case, in my continuing quest not to get run down while crossing Massachusetts Ave. Clearly, though, the reduction in vehicle miles driven (and in particular by those who have the hardest time affording fuel and also aren’t the best drivers, i.e. teenagers and the elderly), has lead to definite positive effects.
So, what does this tell us? Maybe this is something we should do on purpose! Less driving for all! As these numbers show, more emphasis on public transportation and other non-car modes of travel not only makes cities more pleasant and walkable and reduces carbon footprint, it also keeps people safer.
Conveniently, cities such as D.C. have many options available for those who choose not to drive, meaning that I never have to worry about getting home when I find myself far from home and tipsy on a Tuesday afternoon Friday night. What I’m saying is, call your congressman, people! Eventually the prevailing political winds (at all levels) will come around to the idea that a car-only transportation policy is a very bad thing. Hopefully studies like this will speed that day.
On a side note, I find it hilarious that the Post felt the need to “contextualize” the year 1961.
If current trends continue, traffic deaths this year could reach a low not seen since 1961, when the Beatles were playing small clubs in Liverpool and gas was about 31 cents a gallon.
Ohhh, the Beatles. This story totally speaks to me now.
