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Road deaths have declined globally since 1990 except in poorer countries, study finds
Summary by The San Antonio Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Mike Stobbe, Associated Press , KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 20, 2026
· 3 min read
Road deaths are declining in the U.S. and worldwide, but lower-income countries aren't experiencing much of the improvement, according to a study published Monday. Global rates of road injuries and deaths each fell more than 30% between 1990 and 2023, according to the study published in Lancet Pu...
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Summary created by The San Antonio Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Mike Stobbe, Associated Press, KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 20, 2026 Indexed here Jul 21, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway Global rates of road injuries and deaths each fell more than 30% between 1990 and 2023, according to the study published in Lancet Public Health, which noted the progress varied from country to country.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio, the decline in road deaths is a welcome trend, but the city's unique challenges, such as a growing population and a mix of urban and rural roads, require continued attention to traffic safety. The fact that pedestrian and vehicle occupant deaths rose in the US between 1990 and 2023, including in Texas, is a concern that local officials should address. The proliferation of taller and larger passenger vehicles, as well as distracted driving, are issues that San Antonio drivers and pedestrians face daily. As the city continues to grow, it is crucial that safety measures, such as improved road design and public awareness campaigns, keep pace with the increasing number of vehicles on the road. By learning from the successes and challenges of other cities and countries, San Antonio can work towards reducing its own road injury rates and creating a safer transportation system for all residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 20, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Road deaths are declining in the U.S. and worldwide, but lower-income countries aren't experiencing much of the improvement, according to a study published Monday. Global rates of road injuries and deaths each fell more than 30% between 1990 and 2023, according to the study published in Lancet Pu...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 20, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mike Stobbe, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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