statefarm.com®Make more people aware of the importance of auto safety by sharing this timeline:
As America evolved over the past century, the cars we love did too - but those cars didn't always love us back. Today, seat belts, airbags and other advancements that keep us safe are routine. But when America first fell in love with the automobile, these innovations were not yet on our radar.
Today, your risk of dying in a car crash is nearly half of what it was in 1974, only forty years ago. But why? Scroll down to explore the road trip America has taken to safer roads - a journey of technological advances, new laws and standards, and behavioral shifts that have saved countless lives.
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Your Good Neighbor On the Road: State Farm® And Auto Safety
State Farm was founded in 1922 by retired farmer and insurance salesman George Jacob "G.J." Mecherle. State Farm continues its longtime mission to strive to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.
One way State Farm tries to embody its mission is through its auto safety efforts. Whether advocating for airbags or educating teen drivers, State Farm has a record of using research to fuel actions that make our roads safer.
In Depth: Using Data from Crashes to Fuel Auto Safety Awareness
In the 1940s and 50s, following the "research to action" model, State Farm published useful tips to raise awareness, including information about the most dangerous times of the day to drive.
State Farm was a founding member of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 1959. IIHS has conducted vast amounts of research that led to many auto safety enhancements, whether in terms of engineering (how cars are built and how safety devices operate), enforcement (laws and policies) or education (making drivers aware of issues).
In Depth: Expanding Action to Change Behaviors and Dangers
In the 1960s and 70s, State Farm continued education and awareness efforts, conducting "Anti-Drunk Driving" and "Roadside Deathtraps" campaigns, which included radio, TV and print advertisements about ways to make highways safer.
In Depth: Engineering Advancements and Young Driver Education
During the 1980s, 90s and the early 21st century, in addition to being a founding member of the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, State Farm actively supported seat belt and air bag safety initiatives, including research and policy efforts.
State Farm worked with state and local governments to address dangerous intersections and reached out to youthful drivers with programs designed to promote safer driving, such as "Project Ignition" and the "Steer Clear Driver Discount" Program.
In Depth: Digging Deep Into Data for Child Passenger Safety
In 1996, State Farm joined The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to embark on one of the most ambitious auto safety research initiatives to date, focusing on the country's most vulnerable passengers - our children.
To begin this partnership and effort, titled Partners for Child Passenger Safety (PCPS), State Farm identified crashes involving children, obtained permission from our policyholders to use data from these crashes for research, and a plethora of unique data was available for analysis by CHOP. CHOP closely examined more than 600,000 crashes involving 875,000 children. It was the largest source of data ever collected on children involved in motor vehicles crashes. The data was used to support the enactment of legislative measures that save the lives of hundreds of children and reduce the severity of injuries for tens of thousands of children every year.
In Depth: From the Car Seat to the Driver's Seat
As children from our PCPS research became teen drivers, State Farm and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia started to enhance and augment the academic knowledge on teen driver safety by starting the Young Driver Research Initiative (YDRI).
The disturbing fact that motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teenagers provided the impetus for the YDRI. This research helped identify and expand awareness of the most common causes of teen driver crashes.
Based on that research, State Farm pursued effective, science-based interventions including tools to help young drivers be more aware of driving hazards - such as Road Aware - and a program that provides practical advice to help parents teach their new drivers how to be safer on the roads, called Road Trips. State Farm also advocates for strong Graduated Driver Licensing laws across the country, and educates and engages teens with our safe driving campaign, Celebrate My Drive.
In Depth: Engaged Driving and the Next Steps in Auto Safety
State Farm continuously monitors the traffic safety landscape to identify issues that need the most evaluation and intervention - with an end goal to help save lives. In 2012, distracted driving topped the list.
Engaged driving occurs when drivers actively provide sufficient attention to driving safely. In 2012 State Farm and the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM) teamed up to bring together a panel of experts who quantified and identified gaps in the understanding of engaged driving. This knowledge, which was shared widely with the auto safety community, will help drive further research and breakthroughs that will make driving safer for everyone.
1885
Where would we be without the invention of the automobile? Thanks go to Karl Friedrich Benz who invented the first modern-style automobile, a three-wheeled device powered by a four-cycle, gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine. His invention spawned four wheeled versions that soon took to the roads in America.1
1899
Fourteen years after the advent of the car, Henry H. Bliss, 68, was struck and killed by an automobile in New York City, becoming the first United States pedestrian traffic fatality.2
1901
Speed limits at the turn of the 20th century were just slightly slower than today. Connecticut passed the first U.S. speed limit law for motor vehicles - 12 mph in cities and 15 mph outside.3
1903
A belt restraint system - the forerunner of today's seat belts - was invented in France.4
1913
The National Council for Industrial Safety was established; it was renamed the National Safety Council (NSC) in 1914. NSC's mission is to "save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy." 5
1916
The Federal Road Act of 1916 funded $75 million for road improvements that improved infrastructure not suited for fast-moving cars.6
1918
Malcolm Loughead invented the four-wheel hydraulic brake system.7
1921
In 1921, the precursor to today's child restraint system was invented; the first child car seat was essentially a drawstring sack attached to the back seat.8
1921
The National Safety Transportation Bureau, later named the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) began tracking auto fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles travelled in 1921. It’s become a key metric of auto safety in the U.S. In 1921, there were few safety standards for cars or roads, and the fatality rate reflected that fact.
1934
General Motors performed the first barrier crash test. Crashing cars into different objects (walls, cars, etc.) to see how they perform has been a standard of safety testing ever since.9
1936
In 15 years, the fatality rate dropped by just over 40%. During that time, cars and roads were made safer, and traffic laws and driver education evolved as more and more Americans took to the roads.
1960
The National Driver Register Act was enacted, creating a nationwide database that allowed states to screen for problem drivers and deny or suspend driving privileges, keeping many dangerous drivers off the road.10
1965
Ralph Nader's book, "Unsafe at Any Speed", was published. It highlighted auto industry safety inadequacies, such as the lack of seatbelts in automobiles. It also led to congressional hearings and greater public awareness of safety concerns.11
1966
The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 and the Highway Safety Act of 1966 were enacted, empowering the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the National Traffic Safety Bureau, later called National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to establish and administer motor vehicle and highway safety standards.12
1967
What is now called the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) was founded. GHSA is a leading advocate on many highway safety issues, such as occupant protection, impaired driving and teen driving.
The Department of Transportation Standard 208 required the installation of lap and shoulder belts in the front seats of all new cars sold in the U.S. except convertibles. There was no requirement that vehicle occupants use the seat belts, however.13
The Department of Transportation Standard 208 required the installation of lap and shoulder belts in the front seats of all new cars sold in the U.S. except convertibles. There was no requirement that vehicle occupants use the seat belts, however.13
1968
The fatality rate dropped steadily over the decades with continued auto safety improvements. By 1968, most new cars had seat belts thanks to legislation fueled by research and increased awareness of auto safety issues.
1969
The Department of Transportation formally proposed a standard requiring the installation of passive restraints, such as automated seat belts or airbags, in motor vehicles. The standard was revised and an effective date was delayed several times between 1969 and 1977, when a Modified Standard mandated a phasing in of passive restraints for vehicles manufactured between 1982 and 1984.14
1971
The federal government established the first minimum standards for child safety seats, with the goal to reduce the number of children killed or injured in motor vehicle crashes.15
1972
A staggering 54,589 lives lost marked the country's all-time highest number of traffic fatalities in one year.16
1974
Airbags became generally available from General Motors, which had developed effective crash sensors. Cars with airbag options were expensive and initially unpopular with the public, however.17
1977
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration developed a model Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system to reduce teen driver-related injuries and deaths; NHTSA's model was never fully implemented by any state. GDL's limits on driving privileges provide new drivers a safer, more gradual way to gain driving experience by easing in additional privileges over time.18
1978
Tennessee enacted the first child passenger safety law, requiring infants and young children to be fastened into a child restraint system that met 1971 federal standards. By 1988, all 50 states had a version of the law.19
1980
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver. MADD has tackled the issue of impaired driving with unparalleled passion, leading to greater awareness, tougher laws and lives saved.20
1981
The Department of Transportation's Modified Standard requiring passive restraints (see 1969) was rescinded by the DOT. State Farm filed a petition challenging the DOT decision in 1982. In 1983, in a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in favor of State Farm to restore federal rules that required the installation of passive restraints such as air bags in all passenger vehicles. Since this decision, air bags have saved thousands of lives.21
1985
New York enacted the nation's first law requiring front seat occupants to wear seat belts. To date all states except New Hampshire have enacted similar legislation.
Modern antilock brake systems (ABS) were introduced on some 1985 models. ABS is a component of electronic stability control (ESC); ESC was a major evolution in auto safety.22
Modern antilock brake systems (ABS) were introduced on some 1985 models. ABS is a component of electronic stability control (ESC); ESC was a major evolution in auto safety.22
1986
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) established an injury control program, conducting important research and education and outreach efforts regarding auto safety.
During 1986, the first Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law went into effect in Florida. GDL laws address the high crash risk for new drivers by gradually lifting restrictions.23
During 1986, the first Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law went into effect in Florida. GDL laws address the high crash risk for new drivers by gradually lifting restrictions.23
1988
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted the minimum 21 age drinking law resulting in a substantial reduction in under-age drinking-related crashes, influenced by a federal mandate that provided federal funding once a state enacted the law.24
1988
By 1988, laws requiring seat belt use were in place in some states, new drinking laws were enacted, and airbags were becoming more common. The fatality rate was less than half of what it had been 20 years earlier.
1989
The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, an alliance of consumer, health and safety groups, and insurance companies, was founded. Advocates encourages the adoption of federal and state laws, policies, and programs that save lives and reduce injuries. State Farm was a founding member.
Maryland led the way by enacting the first zero alcohol tolerance law for youth; all states and the District of Columbia enact a zero tolerance law by 1998.25
Maryland led the way by enacting the first zero alcohol tolerance law for youth; all states and the District of Columbia enact a zero tolerance law by 1998.25
1993
"Click It Or Ticket" kicked off in North Carolina. The campaign, aimed at increasing seat belt usage, spread across the country, becoming the most successful campaign on the topic.26
1994
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports new car safety test results in an easy-to-understand, five-star rating system, helping consumers make smart auto purchases.27
1995
Child passenger fatalities occurring from deployed air bags alerted the public to concerns with small children seated in front seats and made national news.28
1997
State Farm and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) teamed up to create Partners for Child Passenger Safety (PCPS). (See sidebar) 29
2000
Washington enacted the first booster seat law for children over 40 pounds, extending child safety protection for children over the age of 4 years.30
2004
All 50 states comply with the .08 Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) law, influenced by a congressional mandate that would have resulted in states losing federal funding for road construction.31
2007
To improve the learning-to-drive experience of young drivers and to help save lives, State Farm and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia teamed up again for the Young Driver Research Initiative (YDRI). 32
As distractions presented by smart phones became more apparent, Washington enacted the first texting while driving ban.33
As distractions presented by smart phones became more apparent, Washington enacted the first texting while driving ban.33
2009
North Dakota became the 50th state to pass a version of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL). All 50 states have varying GDL laws and none meet NHTSA's standard (see 1977). U.S. Department of Transportation held the first annual Distracted Driving Summit and announced a new campaign website, www.distraction.gov and "Faces of Distracted Driving" feature, with the goal of putting an end to distracted driving.34
2009
Since 2009, the fatality rate has remained below 1.2 – even dipping to 1.09 in 2013 – reflecting the cumulative effect of the auto safety technology, laws and education that have been developed over the past century.
2011
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) established an injury control program, conducting important research and education and outreach efforts regarding auto safety.
During 1986, the first Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law went into effect in Florida. GDL laws address the high crash risk for new drivers by gradually lifting restrictions.35
During 1986, the first Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law went into effect in Florida. GDL laws address the high crash risk for new drivers by gradually lifting restrictions.35
2012
A federal requirement makes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), standard for all passenger vehicles as of the 2012 model year. Antilock Brakes (ABS), as a component of ESC, become standard equipment on all passenger vehicles as of the 2012 model year.36
2014
State Farm launched and worked closely with safety partners on the Engaged Driving Initiative. EDI went beyond distracted driving to identify what it takes to be an engaged driver. To learn more, click here.
2015
State Farm is a founding member of the Leadership Circle Researchers at the University of Michigan Mobility Transformation Center (MTC). July, 2015 marked the opening of Mcity, a unique test track that evaluates automated driving technologies in a simulated real-world environment. State Farm is serving as one of the thought leaders guiding and synthesizing the work of MTC.
2015
There is a major shift in the way we look at vehicle safety, with increased emphasis on crash-avoidance. With support from State Farm and other insurance companies, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) opened an expanded testing facility that enables it to evaluate the latest crash avoidance technologies year-round. Results from this testing will help to move us toward a goal of reducing crash deaths and injuries.
