In the United States, over 40,000 car accidents occur each year, resulting in over 32,500 annual road deaths. Surprisingly, many Americans seem to view this as a tolerable trade-off, even though they are 4X more likely to die on U.S. roads than in the UK. But should they? And is it the same in the UK?
A recent deep dive by Steve Baker explores this transatlantic disparity, drawing attention to the vastly different traffic fatalities, driving regulations, and road safety standards in both countries.
Breaking Down the Numbers: What the Stats Reveal
Let’s compare:
- UK: 68 million people → 1,700 road deaths annually
- US: 340 million people → 32,500 traffic fatalities annually
That equates to:
- 1 death per 10,000 people in the US
- 1 death per 40,000 people in the UK
When adjusted for population, road fatalities in the US are four times higher than in the UK. Even accounting for greater vehicle miles traveled in the US, the traffic-related death rate is still double per mile compared to the UK.
Driving Age, Brain Development, and Risk Assessment
One of the key factors in these elevated motor vehicle deaths is the age of new drivers.
- US: 88% of teens aged 16–18 have a license
- UK: No legal driving under 17, only 27% get licensed between ages 17–20
Young drivers are known for poor risk assessment due to late-developing cognitive faculties. Thus, the US puts more vulnerable road users on the road during their highest-risk years.
This gap contributes significantly to increased motor vehicle crashes, especially those involving fatal crashes.
Elderly Drivers: The Spike at the Other End
As age increases, so does crash risk , especially for those over 70.
UK Update (July 2025):
- All drivers over 70 must submit a doctor’s certificate to continue driving.
US Update (July 2025):
- Age 70–80: license renewal every 4 years with eye tests
- Age 81–86: renewal every 2 years with road tests
- Age 87+: annual renewals
But loopholes exist. Steve Baker’s personal story shows how easy it was to renew his license in Wisconsin with a vision test slip from Walmart, no verification needed , an alarming lapse in road safety policy.
Drunk Driving: A Cultural and Legal Divide
Drunk driving remains a stubborn cause of traffic crashes in the US.
- The UK enforces strict alcohol limits and uniform penalties.
- The US, however, operates on a state-by-state basis, where traffic enforcement varies wildly.
This inconsistent approach contributes to a significantly higher share of drunk-driving-related fatalities, worsening the public health crisis linked to traffic fatalities.
Speed and Infrastructure: The Hidden Contributors
The UK emphasizes speed management policies and infrastructure upgrades, such as:
- Protected bike lanes
- Pedestrian infrastructure
- Median barriers on urban arterials
Meanwhile, the US lags behind, still battling distracted driving, outdated traffic laws, and poor vehicle safety oversight.
Several cities in the UK are even introducing pedestrianized city centers, drastically reducing road traffic injuries and improving bike lane access. This aligns with the Vision Zero framework aimed at eliminating road deaths entirely.
The Pandemic’s Lingering Effects
Interestingly, the COVID-19 pandemic also disrupted traffic patterns:
- Less traffic meant more speeding in both countries.
- The US saw an increase in fatal crashes, while the UK maintained its downward trend in road fatalities.
This is a reflection of better traffic safety policies and stronger public health principles in UK urban planning.
Why Is the US Still So Unsafe?
Despite having better vehicle technology (like automatic braking systems, Intelligent Speed Assistance, and Automatic Emergency Braking), the US continues to suffer from:
- Lax traffic enforcement
- Widespread car culture
- Poor driver education standards
- Inconsistent seat belt use
- A national obsession with pickup trucks, contributing to higher pedestrian death rates
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Euro NCAP, and Office for National Statistics have all flagged these issues, yet policies remain fragmented.
Even initiatives like the bipartisan infrastructure bill haven’t fully addressed the growing problem of traffic fatalities tied to motor vehicles and road traffic crashes.
What Victims in the US Must Understand
If you or a loved one has been affected by a motor vehicle crash, it’s important to realize:
- The system doesn’t always protect vulnerable road users
- Fatal crashes are often preventable
- Vehicle safety does not guarantee road safety
- You have rights , and the ability to act
With more public transportation and safety-focused urban design, the US could move closer to the UK’s model , but until then, legal advocacy is essential.
