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High gas prices resulting in fewer traffic deaths

07/23/2008, 1:04 PM

By Drew Johnson

While it’s difficult to find the upsides of $4 a gallon gas, a new study finds that record-high gas prices are actually having a positive side effect. Because most Americans are now reducing their time behind the wheel to save money, traffic deaths are now down to the lowest levels in nearly 30 years.

According to a new study by the National Safety Council, traffic deaths were down 9 percent nationwide through May, with the months of May and April seeing declines of 18 and 14 percent, respectively.

Moreover, the Associated Press finds that some states have seen a 20+ percent decline in traffic deaths, with 31 states seeing at least a 10 percent decrease. Only eight states have reported an increase in traffic-related deaths.

While it’s hard to pin the sharp decline on just one factor, record-high gas prices appear to be behind the radical change. The last time such a change was recorded? The Arab oil embargo in 1973-1974. During the span of the embargo, traffic fatalities tumbled 17 percent, according to WFTV.

However, high fuel prices are probably not acting alone. Many states also attribute the declines to increased police efforts, as well as more stringent teen driving programs. Whatever the case, American roads are now the safest they have been in three decades.

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07/23, 1:14 PM

posted by:

jumpoffit

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh, DURRRRRRRRRRR ya think so?

07/23, 1:21 PM

posted by:

Fletch

Article needs more data. How much time behind the wheel are we spending compared to 1,2,5 years ago. More people may be using seat belts and a greater percentage of cars on the road are equipped with front and side airbags.

07/23, 1:41 PM

posted by:

HemiRoadRunner

Wow, this is great news. I’ve been wondering when they were going to release the new accident death rate percentages so I could read all about them. In other more interesting news, I’m going to cut my grass today when I get off work. I usually cut it twice a week, but because of high gas prices, I cut it once a week now, resulting in lower emissions from my Briggs and Straton 15 HP mowing beast, which means cleaner air, a greener environment, and more money in my pocket supposedly. THANK YU $4 A GALLON GAS!!!!!

07/23, 1:48 PM

posted by:

RaineMan

Damn… I guess this means I need to go top 100MPH on the drive home… the roads are just too safe.

07/23, 1:54 PM

posted by:

ktulu

R they not coiunting suicides/

07/23, 1:59 PM

posted by:

beatusmongous

HRR, you reminded me that I need to turn my sprinklers back on. Thanks.

Suicides aren’t considered traffic fatalities, Ktulu, unless you decide to take out the person next to you.

07/23, 2:02 PM

posted by:

HemiRoadRunner

The best time to water is early in the morning, then again late in the evening. Add in a little Scotts Turfbuilder, and you’ll have to keep the golfer’s out of your yard.

07/23, 2:26 PM

posted by:

crackerhemi

You don’t have a job, HomoRR. Who are you trying to kid?

07/23, 2:33 PM

posted by:

go4gr8

I use a reel mower.

07/23, 2:39 PM

posted by:

xyunya

HomoRetard, can do my lawn? I need garbage taken out as well. Here an avocation for a retard!

07/23, 2:48 PM

posted by:

HemiRoadRunner

^^^^ Sounds like a retard wrote your post, or was it just you? I’m not interested in your lawn or garbage. Now your wife’s needs…..

07/23, 2:48 PM

posted by:

A4

i think ktulu was cracking a joke at people offing themselves over high gas prices
then again maybe not

07/23, 2:54 PM

posted by:

beatusmongous

I live in Vegas. It’s against the law here to water in the daytime, believe it or not. So nearly everyone has to have automatic systems. I just have to turn mine back on, because I shut it off for a bit. I only have a small patch of grass, because it’s pricey to maintain. We just have dirt and rocks, some flowers here and there, two tiny trees and three big ones.

07/23, 2:55 PM

posted by:

xyunya

HomoRectumReemer, what if my wife 6′7″ afro american homosexual, would you enjoys that service more? I knew you are a homo!

07/23, 3:08 PM

posted by:

HemiRoadRunner

^^^^ Well, no I wouldn’t even want the service. In that case, you would be the homo. Was that post suppose to “get back at me”? Because it makes you look like a dumb@$$.

07/23, 3:12 PM

posted by:

xyunya

^^^^ just a proof that you are a penis craving homosexual.

07/23, 3:15 PM

posted by:

HemiRoadRunner

Oh really, or are you just that sorry that none of the $H!T you post makes any sense?

07/23, 3:19 PM

posted by:

xyunya

^^^ manage to piss you off and entertain viewing public at your expense.

07/23, 3:24 PM

posted by:

HemiRoadRunner

^^ Again, you don’t make any sense. Nah, I’m not pissed, that would be stupid to be pissed at a retarded person like yourself. It’s just funny that somebody so stupid like you thinks they’re actually funny. Anyway, I’m leaving work the day, have fun making friends on here. Later

07/23, 3:46 PM

posted by:

xyunya

… and he glided to water and mow lawns of less prosperous employers of his, those who don’t have access to Internet in rural parts of Florida….

07/23, 7:10 PM

posted by:

1c3d0g

jumpoffit: well f*cking said! :evil: Less cars on the roads = fewer possible deaths. That’s called LOGIC. I’m getting tired of these so-called “studies” which are so idiotic I don’t even know why they get published at all. These “researchers” should be castrated for wasting people’s time with these ridiculous and obvious results.

07/23, 11:16 PM

posted by:

johnnycanuck

I want a survey done on how many pointless surveys are done.

07/24, 12:38 AM

posted by:

Mach

Of course, this has nothing to do with safer cars and better driver education.

07/24, 12:44 AM

posted by:

beatusmongous

You mean people are actually learning to drive and not getting their licenses from Cracker Jack boxes anymore?

07/24, 12:56 AM

posted by:

DeansterTJ

Now now ladies, calm down.

07/24, 1:36 AM

posted by:

S1L1SC

In other news: Higher speed limits make travel from A to B pass quicker…
.
.
Who pays for these types of studies?

07/24, 8:12 AM

posted by:

JohnnyBlazE

Your mum is so old her vagina is now officially haunted.

07/24, 3:18 PM

posted by:

beatusmongous

I love this forum. It makes my day go so nicely, as I almost always end up laughing a lot.

 
 
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