Also if you crash one, you're vastly less likely to die.
I always liked this IIHS crash test: 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
It really shows the progress. Seatbelts, the "rigid cage" to protect the driver, air bags, etc. etc.
The 1959 Bel Air crash-dummy is clearly dead, bouncing around the cabin during the crash.
The 2009 Malibu crash-dummy has a sprained neck and the face hurts from hitting the air-bag, but clearly survives.
In the 50's the industry propaganda, parroted by bought and paid for regulators, was that all people involved in an automobile collision were irresponsible drivers deserving of death and disfigurement. And especially so for the colored ones, they probably drove recklessly after stealing them. You can't trust the lot of 'em.
However, it IS unfortunate that we've shifted the risk to people AROUND those vehicles instead of the driver. People drive around in their noise-insulated, airbag-laden tanks these days and they're definitely safer. But it's unfortunate that pedestrians and bicyclists around those cars are actually more likely do die in the event of a crash now because vehicles are so ridiculously tall and overbuilt.
If you ask me, I'd rather that driving was more dangerous for the driver than people around the vehicle. They're the ones taking the risk when they drive poorly. It's unfortunate that the externalities are imposed on those around them instead, now.
The basic mechanism to reduce such risks was established in the '80s.
The 1880s: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_(safety_organization)
We used to have Christmas tree lights from the 1950s that were passed down from our grandparents. Two unshielded wires and no fuses, we burned out many an outlet and tripped the breaker every year.
Candes, fireplaces, cigarettes, and cooking stand out in my memory.
A current industry report puts cooking as the greatest risk, followed by heating equipment. Electrical ranks third:
https://www.nfpa.org/News%20and%20Research/Data%20research%2...
I don't have trending data at this point. If you or others care to provide any, that would be appreciated.
> The difference between a car right now and a car 30 years ago is that you can now play angry birds on a tablet.
Energy efficiency and fuel economy have made massive gains. Materials are stronger and lighter. Batteries last ages compared to 30 years ago.