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

How bankrupt does your soul have to be to vandalize a ghost bike?

September 22, 2025

How Trump’s Latest Multimodal Clawbacks Are Different — And How They Could Devastate Communities

The latest attack on multimodal transportation is more brazen and destructive than ever before — and the Trump administration is no longer hiding its disdain for walking and biking projects.

September 21, 2025

Metro Pomona A Line Extension is Open

With nine new miles of light rail, four new stations - Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona - the world's longest light rail line now extends 57.6 miles from Pomona through Pasadena and downtown L.A. to Long Beach.

September 19, 2025

The Week in Short Videos

Leg. wrap, the highway expansion being built for ducks, and pushing back on Trump misinformation.

September 19, 2025

Friday’s Headlines

Big Day in LA! New Gold Line/A Line Stations open.

September 19, 2025

Enviro Groups Urge Gov to Reject Legislation Advancing Road Widening in Sonoma County Swamp

Given the strong support in the legislature, Caltrans, and the California Transportation Commission for the project it's unlikely the Governor will veto. But, that doesn't mean there aren't good reasons that he should.

September 18, 2025
See all posts