Are motor vehicles safer?

[Old Crank]

And for whom?
If you count by vehicle miles travelled motor vehicles are much safer. they are safer still in Europe.
If you count by deaths per capita we are still killing people at the same rate as in 1921.

Why the discrepancy? Vehicle safety mandates (regulations) and road construction mandates to make it safer to be in a vehicle. Seat belts, airbags, crumplezones all make it safer to be IN a motor vehicle. Also the breakaway posts, clear zones beside highspeed roads all make it safer for drivers.
Now it is becoming more dangerous for those outside the motor vehicles. Huge wall front ends, bigger heavier vehicles, more powerful vehicles, no safety rails (as in Europe) between the wheels of trucks, lack of visibilty from the drivers seat around the vehicles. All are adding up to more deaths for pedestrians and cyclists.



More data here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_vehicle_fatality_rate_in_U.S._by_year

[SheltieLover]

1. They haven't even considered silent ev's & how easily people could be run over

Because they are completely silent.

[Old Crank]

3. Tire noise is louder than engine noise

at over 20 mph. Except for peopel having modified exhaust systems. So EVs aren't completely silent.

[Thunderbeast]

4. EVs and PHEVs are required to generate false engine noise under 23 mph

Federal law prohibits the disabling of these external speakers.

[Historic NY]

2. Are the drivers any better?

All the bells and whistles and gizmos manufacturers develop, can't fix the human element.