Our World in Data shows the UK cut road deaths per mile driven by 22× since 1950, aided by concrete interventions: mandatory breathalyzer tests (1967) cutting drunk‑driving deaths by 82%, converting junctions to roundabouts (reducing fatal crashes by about two‑thirds), adding motorways, and 20‑mph zones near schools. Despite 33× more miles driven, annual fatalities fell from 5,000–7,000 to ~1,700 and the UK now sits at 1.9 deaths per 100,000 people.
— It demonstrates that specific, enforceable design and policy choices can massively lower mortality and could save roughly one million lives annually if adopted worldwide.
Steve Sailer
2025.09.14
60% relevant
The NSC attributes the sharp 2025 decline to jurisdictions adopting the 'Safe System Approach' (safer roads/speeds/vehicles/people/post‑crash care), aligning with the broader claim that specific design and enforcement interventions can dramatically reduce road deaths.
msmash
2025.09.10
100% relevant
The OWID figures: 111 to ~5 deaths per billion miles, 82% drop after 1967 breathalyzer law, and roundabouts cutting fatal accidents by two‑thirds.
← Back to All Ideas