PODCAST:Slate Technology
TITLE:What Next TBD: America’s Killer Car Problem | 2023 In Review
DATE:2023-12-29 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In the episode titled "What Next TBD: America’s Killer Car Problem – 2023 In Review" from the Slate Technology podcast, host Emily Peck reflects on the major developments of 2023, especially in the tech world. The episode revisits one of the most significant and favorite episodes of the year, focusing on the alarming rise in pedestrian deaths in the United States.
The episode highlights a report from the Governor's Highway Safety Association which found that 2022 was the deadliest year for pedestrians in the U.S. in over four decades. This trend contrasts with other developed nations, where pedestrian fatalities have been declining. The issue is attributed to Americans' preference for large SUVs and trucks, as well as to the design of roads and cities, and the influence of the powerful auto industry.
Journalist Jesse Singer, author of "There Are No Accidents," discusses the reasons behind the increase in pedestrian deaths. She points out that the fatalities result from exposure to dangerous conditions, specifically wide and fast streets with heavy traffic that are unsafe for walking, and the growing size of vehicles, particularly SUVs and pickup trucks. Singer emphasizes that pedestrian fatalities have risen over the past decade, not due to changes in road conditions but due to these two factors.
Singer also sheds light on how the design of cars and roads, the suburbanization of poverty, environmental factors, and societal attitudes contribute to the crisis. She argues that pedestrian deaths are often seen as tragic individual stories rather than part of a larger systemic issue. This perspective inhibits the development of effective solutions.
The discussion delves into the importance of addressing this issue through regulatory measures and urban design changes. The episode stresses the need for collective action and government intervention to ensure pedestrian safety. It also addresses the role of electric vehicles, which, despite their eco-friendly image, pose similar dangers due to their size and weight.
Overall, the episode calls for a rethinking of vehicle design, road infrastructure, and societal attitudes towards pedestrian safety. It highlights the urgent need for policy changes to address what is increasingly recognized as a public health crisis.
