The criteria used by the U.S. to classify a car as safe.

The increase in traffic fatalities has caused concern among safety advocates, government officials, and the industry.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has labeled the toll — 1.36 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled — as a "national crisis."

Currently, riding in cars is safer than it was in 1980, when traffic deaths reached an all-time high of 3.36 deaths per 100 million miles traveled.

The evolution of automobile safety has been marked by significant innovations and contentious debates regarding the obligations of manufacturers and drivers while operating on the road.

Before the advent of modern inventions and regulatory disputes, vehicle safety was often overlooked. However, nowadays, the three-point seatbelt, child safety seats, and airbags are commonplace.

Car manufacturers like and aim to sell vehicles that prevent traffic fatalities or accidents entirely, with innovators focusing on emerging driver assistance technologies.

Safety advocates are thrilled about the introduction of new driver assistance tools, such as automatic emergency braking and pedestrian-detection systems.

Although modern systems have improved safety, they also raise new safety concerns. Additionally, the increase in traffic fatalities indicates that car travel still carries risks.

Watch the video to learn more.