Traffic fatalities in the United States have increased by 30 percent since 1997. In New York City, for instance, approximately 4,000 people are seriously injured and more than 250 are killed each year in traffic crashes. Being struck by a vehicle is the leading cause of injury-related death for children under 14, and the second leading cause for seniors. On average, vehicles seriously injure or kill a New Yorker every two hours, according to the city’s website.