We’re reminded to look both ways before crossing the street, yet many American drivers seem to overlook this basic safety rule entirely. Last year, the number of American fatalities from motor vehicle crashes fell 3.6% from 2022. Despite the improvement, the rate is still three times higher than in other developed countries. And after 50 years of declining fatalities, accidents have continued to increase since 2014 — coinciding with growing cannabis legalization across states, the widespread use of smartphones, and rising homelessness.

• One study found that 55.8% of serious accidents involved drivers who tested positive for at least one drug or alcohol — led by cannabis, which was found in 25.1% of cases.
• US homelessness has surged 19% since 2016 — with a striking statistic from Portland showing that 70% of pedestrians fatally killed in 2021 were experiencing homelessness.

Pointing blinkers: Various studies have attempted to pinpoint the reasons behind the rise in accidents. Factors include a preference for larger vehicles, increased distractions, and a more relaxed attitude toward road safety. Unfortunately, consumers are paying the price in the form of higher insurance costs, which jumped 22% in March compared to the previous year.