[Steely Glint]

A traffic researcher buddy told me that the deaths per mile are actually DOWN, and the reason that the overall death toll is higher is only because the total miles driven is way up. Can anyone confirm that?

[RightWhale]

the reason that the overall death toll is higher is only because the total miles driven is way up.

Sure seems like people are using their cars more. I wonder if people in the SUVs are properly belted in, or if they carry loose cargo that would cause injury in case of roll-over.

[eno_]

Bad journalism in any case.

It would read very differently if it said "Miles WAY up, deaths per mile down. Public rejects TSA anal probe at airports in massive numbers."

[frithguild]

"A traffic researcher buddy told me that the deaths per mile are actually DOWN, and the reason that the overall death toll is higher is only because the total miles driven is way up. Can anyone confirm that?"

A very true and not publicized fact. It gores nobody's ox.

Best I can do right now is a NYT piece (VERY sorry about the source):
"The fatality rate on highways measured by deaths per mile driven is consistently decreasing. While roughly 42,000 Americans die in traffic accidents each year, the number of vehicles and miles driven have grown steadily every decade. "
http://www.scienceservingsociety.com/p/mics/BroderErrorFixed.htm

[Bluewave]

It is true that deaths per million miles driven are down somewhat dramatically since the early 70's. If we had the same death rate per million miles, we would be killing about 150,000 people per year instead of only 43,000.

However, 43,000 deaths per year is an extraordinary number of deaths. Much more should be done to decrease the slaughter.

I believe that so many of us are touched by the tragic deaths of loved ones, friends, and acquaintances, that we would support a major highway traffic safety program. I good politician could find a ticket to the White House on public traffic safety.

I believe the starting place would be to eliminate high speed opposing lane roads. It could be done in a few years for a few cents per gallon in taxes.

[glock rocks]

LOL!!!

I will enjoy watching the SUV police attempting to relieve my wife of her minivan.

LOL... PC police vs. estrogen determination.


sorry bastards didn't have a chance. eeesh, what a mess. cleanup on aisle 308