US Traffic Fatalities Remain High: A Call for Walkable Cities and Improved Public Transit

In 2023, 40,901 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This represents a 4.3% decrease from 42,721 deaths in 2022. However, the number is still alarmingly high. One video creator, molesrcool, highlights this issue and suggests solutions. "Why are we letting this be a thing?" he asks in his video. He presents statistics illustrating the growth in automobile fatalities in the US over several decades, showing a stark increase from the early 1900s to 2023. He then proposes the implementation of walkable, bikeable areas and the development of robust public transportation systems as a means of reducing fatalities and improving public health. The video also includes before-and-after images of city streets, showcasing the potential positive impact of such changes. The creator's concern is palpable: "We don't actively think about air pollution, but it's something that's negatively impacting the health of millions of Americans every single day, and we already have the solution."