Skip to content
Sponsored

Thanks to our advertising sponsor -

How Many People Does Car Culture Kill, Exactly?

One in 32 people around the world die from car crashes, car-related air pollution, and car-related lead exposure every year. But even the astonishing number doesn't tell the whole story.
How Many People Does Car Culture Kill, Exactly?

Sustainable transportation advocates know all the stats about how many people die in car crashes on global roads every year. But what about all the deaths and injuries that car culture causes — not to mention all the other ways it diminishes and destroys our communities? 

On this episode of The Brake, we’re bringing you an extended interview with the lead author of a new literature review that took on the impossible task of answering that question, and offered an astonishing glimpse into the many “car harms” that researchers around the world have tried to quantify. And then, we talk a little bit about how the costs of automobility measure up against its supposed benefits — and what it will take to shift the balance sheet towards human-scaled places. 

Listen in, and read a shareable digest of Miner’s paper here. 

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog San Francisco

Friday Video: Take Transit to the World Cup … If You Can Afford It

April 30, 2026

Good Public Transit + Good Public Funding = Good Public Health

April 30, 2026

Mid-Valencia Update: Curbside Protected Bike Lanes Improve Safety

April 30, 2026
See all posts