Automobile Industry

Public Health Impact: Accidents and Injury

In the United States, approximately 40,000 people each year die in motor vehicle accidents, which remain the leading cause of death for adults under 35 (Public Citizen). Many more are injured in automobile accidents. These deaths and injuries are due to characteristics of drivers, law enforcement practices, highway design and the design of motor vehicles, the focus here. In addition to the personal toll on our nation’s families, these crashes create an economic cost to society of an estimated $230.6 billion annually, or an average of $820 for every person living in the United States.  Despite efforts of nonprofit groups and government agencies, such as the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to improve auto safety standards, many well-known hazards inherent to the design of high selling vehicles remain unregulated.

Environmental Health

Motor vehicles still contribute significantly to air pollution, accounting nationwide for a quarter of the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the air, 51 percent of the carbon monoxide and 30 percent of the carbon dioxide. Transportation is a significantly greater source of pollution than are industrial sources, power plants or small businesses (Texas Environmental Profiles)  Exposure to pollutants such as airborne particulate matter and ozone has been associated with increases in mortality and hospital admissions due to respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Long-term exposure to air pollutants such as carbon dioxide have also been shown to cause respiratory problems and lung disease (American Lung Association).

Automakers oppose strengthening of auto emissions and safety standards and are a strong lobbying voice against such legislation. As a whole, the automotive industry contributed more than 20 million dollars to political campaigns in 2004 (Open Secrets)

Resources

Top 3 Domestic Automakers

General Motors
2004 Revenues: $193.5 Billion
2004 Political Contributions: $933,990

Ford Motor Company
2004 Revenue: $171 billion
2004 Political Contributions: $885,203

Chrysler Company
2004 Revenues: 142 billion
2004 Political Contributions: $678,951

Industry Allies
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

Government Agencies Involved in Motor Vehicles
Environmental Protection Agency
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Organizations and Campaigns Challenging Industry Practices
40 MPG
Americans for Fuel Efficient Cars
California Air Resources Board (CARB)
Clean Car Campaign
Consumers Union
Global Exchange
Harvard Center for Society and Health
Multinational Monitor
Public Citizen
Rainforest Action Network
Roadhog Campaign
Ruckus Society
The Sierra Club
Union of Concerned Scientists

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