A new study by researchers at Children's and the University of Pennsylvania concludes that, contrary to popular perception, cities are safer than rural or suburban areas. Higher rates of fatal car accidents outside cities are largely to blame.
Marie McCullough explains the findings of a new study published online Tuesday in the Annals of Emergency Medicine that examined fatal injury rates across the United States. "Like previous studies, the new one found that homicide rates are higher in cities than the boonies. (Suicide rates were not significantly different.) But the new analysis defied the prevailing perception that cities are innately more dangerous than remote areas. The most rural counties had the highest rate of fatal injuries - 74 deaths per 100,000 residents - compared with 50 deaths per 100,000 in the most urbanized counties."
"People who are considering moving out of cities because of safety concerns may want to 'reexamine their motivations,'" said lead researcher Sage Myers, an emergency medicine physician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
What accounts for the difference? Cars, says McCullough, "the leading cause of accidental death everywhere."
"Crashes caused 28 deaths per 100,000 residents in the most rural counties, compared with 11 deaths per 100,000 in the biggest cities."
FULL STORY: It's safer in cities, but not in Phila.
Cars, Kids, and a Safer Environment Through Planning
Urban areas are filled with cars, and this creates an unsafe environment for children. This commentary argues that officials need to regain their faith in the power of planning to address the issue.
How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls
Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.
The Future of EV Charging Stations and Urban Planning
Explore the future of EV charging in cities and discover urban planning strategies for integrating electric vehicle infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)