Abstract
From 2005 to 2011, we have witnessed an unprecedented trend : road fatalities in the U.S. have dropped by 26%. However, there are some indications that a reversal of this trend might be beginning to take place. This brief note argues that the economic downturn contributed substantially to the large magnitude of the reduction in road fatalities. Consequently, the reversal of the reduction in fatalities should not be a surprise as the economy is beginning to improve. The note concludes with several recommendations for public-policy makers. (Author/publisher)