Global Roads Safer, But U.S. Performs Poorly

"Safety is improving on roads around the world -- but mostly for drivers and passengers in wealthier countries," reports Alex Goldmark. "A study [PDF] from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development's transportation arm finds that although 2012 was a record low year for traffic fatalities, safety for pedestrians isn't increasing as fast as it is car occupants. And the U.S. still ranks poorly compared to other well-off countries."

"In 2011, U.S. fatalities for people in passenger cars fell by 4.1 percent -- but deaths increased for just about everyone else. According to [Veronique Feypell, the study's author], 'there was an increase in fatalities among cyclists (+8.7%), motorcyclists (+2.1%) and pedestrians (+3.0%).' Overall, though, the U.S. has been trending as a safer place to drive, walk and ride a bicycle."