Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog California

Introducing: the Streetsblog California Index*

Numbers can really do a number on you

Note: GJEL Accident Attorneys regularly sponsors coverage on Streetsblog San Francisco and Streetsblog California. Unless noted in the story, GJEL Accident Attorneys is not consulted for the content or editorial direction of the sponsored content.

A few seemingly random numbers on traffic safety.

Number of people who die in crashes on U.S. roads every day: 100

Estimated number of people who have died in U.S. crashes caused by speeding since 2016: 10,000

Portion of U.S. traffic fatalities in 2008 that were "non-occupant fatalities"--pedestrians, bicyclists, and others not in the vehicles that crashed: 14%

In 2017: 19%

Portion of surveyed consumers who say that distracted driving is a problem: 85%

Who say they are a "safe driver": 90%

Who admit they use electronic devices while driving often enough to be categorized as "addicted": 47%

Average amount of time more than the average U.S. driver that those people "addicted" to their electronic devices spend driving: 150%

Average number of miles more than the average driver that they drive: 760%

Actual portion of drivers who use their phones while driving at least once per day: 60%

Average number of minutes per hour distracted drivers spend on their phone: 3.5 minutes

How far a car going 55 mph travels in 3.5 minutes: 2.3 miles

California's state rank on list of most distracted driving: 36

Portion of luxury car drivers who cut off pedestrians walking in a crosswalk: 30%

Of drivers of less fancy cars that do: 7%

*with apologies to, and affection for, both Harper's Index and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's Tube Times, from whom we totally ripped off this idea

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Monday’s Headlines

Local wins and federal challenges for transit; San Diego still looking for transit to airport; Too much solar power? More

November 25, 2024

Applications for Two Complete Streets Safety Assessment Programs Now Open

UC Berkeley's SafeTREC programs train groups to assess bicycle and pedestrian safety in their communities and identify safety improvements. Agencies and community groups are encouraged to apply.

November 25, 2024

Interview with Culver City Councilmember-Elect Bubba Fish

"I'm an advocate at heart who has been entrusted with the honor of a lifetime to represent my city on City Council."

November 25, 2024

Eyes on the Street: Horton Street Awesomeness

Emeryville's Horton Street sidewalk-level bike lane taking shape/almost completed. May we have some more please?

November 25, 2024

Should States Like Texas Be Allowed to Grade Their Own Highway Homework?

A carveout in federal law grants seven states authority to conduct their own environmental assessments on transportation projects. Texas abuses that power, advocates say.

November 25, 2024
See all posts