As discussed in our previous blog, vehicle fatalities are a leading cause of death in the United States. Society must help prevent vehicle fatalities by installing laws and programs such as Public Law No: 117-58, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Among other provisions, this bill provides new funding for infrastructure projects, including:
roads, bridges, and major projects;
passenger and freight rail;
highway and pedestrian safety;
public transit;
broadband;
ports and waterways;
airports;
water infrastructure;
power and grid reliability and resiliency;
resiliency, including funding for coastal resiliency, ecosystem restoration, and weatherization;
clean school buses and ferries;
electric vehicle charging;
The law includes several provisions related to safety education, including:
$5 billion for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will improve highway safety, including funding for programs to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding.
$1 billion for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will improve rail safety, including funding programs to educate railroad workers and the public about the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks.
$1 billion for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will improve transit safety, including funding programs to educate transit riders about the dangers of distracted riding and fare evasion.
$500 million for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will improve workplace safety, including funding programs to educate workers about the dangers of workplace hazards.
These are just a few of the more important safety education programs created or funded by Public Law No: 117-58. The law will significantly impact safety in the United States and help save lives and prevent injuries.
The IIJA also includes significant funding for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve the nation's roads, bridges, airports, ports, and other transportation infrastructure.
Some of the more critical DOT infrastructure items to come out of the IIJA include:
$110 billion for roads and bridges, including $40 billion for bridge repairs and replacements.
$66 billion for public transit, including $39 billion for new buses and trains.
$55 billion for airports, including $1 billion for airport terminal repairs and upgrades.
$25 billion for ports, including $11 billion for port infrastructure improvements.
$17 billion for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
$11 billion for broadband internet access.
The IIJA is a significant investment in the nation's infrastructure, and it is expected to create millions of jobs and improve the quality of life for Americans. The DOT is working to implement the IIJA as quickly as possible. The first projects will be funded and underway in the coming months.
Companies can also play a role in preventing vehicle fatalities by promoting safe driving practices among their employees. This can include mandatory safety training, enforcing speed limits and distracted driving policies, and promoting a culture of safety within the company.
Data analysis and research can help identify the causes of vehicle fatalities and inform strategies to prevent them. This can include analyzing crash data to identify patterns and trends, conducting research on the effectiveness of safety interventions, and developing targeted safety programs to address specific issues.
We can also as a society advocate raising the driving age of teenagers and look at aging drivers. Car accidents and motor vehicle fatalities are the leading cause of teen death, accounting for over one-third of all adolescent mortalities. Young drivers, some scientists argue, aren't mature enough to drive at the age of 16. Their brains have not fully developed, making them likely to take risks, become distracted, and make mistakes.
There are several programs beyond drivers education courses designed to keep teens safe on the road, including:
For the senior driver advocating for more safety awareness programs. The older the senior driving, the more likely they are to cause or be involved in an accident. In 2020, there were almost 48 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older in the United States, a 68% increase since 2000. As a result, the risk of being injured or killed in a traffic crash increases as people age.
In 2020, traffic crashes killed about 7,500 older adults, with almost 200,000 treated in emergency departments for impact injuries. Meaning that each day, 20 older adults are killed and nearly 540 are injured in crashes
Older adults should follow the following steps to stay safe on the road:
Use CDC's MyMobility Plan to stay mobile and independent as you age.
Follow a regular activity program to increase strength and flexibility.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review prescription and over—the—counter medicines to reduce side effects and interactions. Read the Are Your Medicines Increasing Your Risk of a Fall or a Car Crash fact sheet to learn more.
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Wear glasses and corrective lenses as required.
Plan your route before you drive.
Find the safest route with well-lit streets, intersections with left-turn signals, and easy parking.
Leave a considerable distance between your car and the car in front of you.
Avoid distractions in your car, such as listening to a loud radio, talking or texting on your phone, and eating.
Consider potential alternatives to driving, such as riding with a friend, using rideshare services, or taking public transit.
We can also support public awareness campaigns that promote safe driving practices, raise awareness of the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, and encourage pedestrians and cyclists to use designated routes. This can include working with local organizations to promote safe driving practices, organizing community events to raise awareness about road safety, and engaging with local stakeholders to identify road safety priorities.
Preventing vehicle fatalities requires a comprehensive approach that involves education, infrastructure improvement, vehicle safety improvements, government regulations, corporate responsibility, data analysis and research, and community engagement. By working together and taking proactive measures to improve road safety, we can reduce the number of vehicle fatalities and create safer roads for everyone.
Together, let's harness the power within us to make a difference in road safety!
