High Gas Prices Lead to Fewer Traffic Deaths?

Photo from Huffington Post

This seems like a rather obvious equation. But it isn't one that occurred to me before reading the article. Less cars on the road, less frequently, maybe not going as fast or having to jockey for position as much. . .sure, makes sense to me.

Here in Las Vegas, I'm already seeing a bit of a difference in traffic. I'm also seeing a lot more people on foot--in 112 degree heat--walking to work. They don't look happy about it, though.

[Excerpt]

Traffic Deaths Drop with Rising Gas Prices

Rising prices at the gas pump appear to be having at least one positive effect: Traffic deaths around the country are plummeting, just as they did during the Arab oil embargo three decades ago.

Researchers with the National Safety Council report a 9 percent drop in motor vehicle deaths overall through May compared with the first five months of 2007, including a drop of 18 percent in March and 14 percent in April. . .

Read more at: Live Science

Thanks to Stupid Monkey Planet for the link.