Part 6/9:
Addressing the Persistent Problem of Road Fatalities
Car accidents remain a significant public health issue. In 2024, nearly 40,000 lives were lost in U.S. traffic accidents—an increase of 20% since 2014—despite only a modest rise in the number of drivers. Contributing factors include distracted driving, substance impairment, and evolving societal behaviors like increased marijuana use, which recent reports from the Wall Street Journal highlight as a factor in fatal accidents.
Tesla’s push into autonomous driving represents a potential solution, aiming to reduce these tragic outcomes. The company's willingness to shoulder regulatory risks and to invest heavily in safety research stands out as a commendable leadership move.