How to Stop Reckless Driving and Reduce Traffic Fatalities: The Answer Lies in Better Enforcement, Article Argues

While road design is often hailed as a cornerstone of traffic safety, a recent article in The Atlantic argues that enforcement cannot be overlooked.

As cities across the United States, including Bakersfield, strive to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities, a growing debate has emerged about the best strategies to achieve safer streets. But by downplaying the role of law enforcement, this potentially leaves dangerous driving behaviors unchecked, argues the author of the article in The Atlantic, “Reckless Driving Isn’t Just a Design Problem.”

“Road design can encourage safer behavior, but it cannot stop a drunk driver from getting behind the wheel or prevent someone from speeding through a school zone,” the author states. “The idea that we can engineer our way out of dangerous driving behaviors ignores the reality that enforcement plays a critical role in holding drivers accountable.”

Countries with the safest roads, like Sweden and the Netherlands, the article states, pair excellent road design with strict enforcement measures, “showing that the two are not mutually exclusive but complementary.”

And reducing enforcement without addressing reckless driving behaviors can lead to more chaos on the roads, undermining the very safety goals we aim to achieve.

“A balanced approach—one that combines smarter road design with fair and effective enforcement—is essential to creating streets that are truly safe for everyone,” according to the author.

Modern traffic safety initiatives emphasize “self-enforcing” roadways — streets designed to naturally encourage safer driving behaviors. Features such as roundabouts, narrower lanes, protected bike paths, and pedestrian refuge islands have proven effective in reducing accidents by lowering speeds and minimizing conflict points. For example:

• Roundabouts can reduce injury and fatal crashes by up to 82%, according to Federal Highway Administration studies.
• Protected bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure create safer environments for vulnerable road users by separating them from vehicular traffic.

These design principles aim to minimize the kinetic energy in crashes through better engineering. Cities like Bakersfield, experts argue, could benefit from adopting these strategies as they work to improve local infrastructure.

While better road design is critical, The Atlantic article author argues that it cannot fully replace the role of enforcement in addressing reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, drunk driving, and running red lights. European countries often cited for their superior road design also maintain strict enforcement measures, including widespread use of speed cameras and automated ticketing systems. In contrast, some U.S. cities have scaled back enforcement efforts due to concerns about equity and over-policing. However, this has sometimes led to unintended consequences. For instance, reduced enforcement in certain areas has coincided with an increase in dangerous driving behaviors, highlighting the need for a balanced approach.

To create safer streets, cities must combine thoughtful road design with targeted enforcement and community engagement. Key strategies include:

1. Smart Enforcement Tools: Automated systems like speed cameras can reduce bias while effectively deterring reckless driving.
2. Equity-Focused Policies: Enforcement should be paired with community outreach to ensure fair application of traffic laws.
3. Comprehensive Road Design: Investing in features like roundabouts, protected bike lanes, and better lighting can significantly reduce crash rates.

“Bakersfield has an opportunity to implement a balanced approach by improving its infrastructure while maintaining fair and effective traffic enforcement,” said Matt Clark, managing partner and attorney at the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark. “With high accident rates and limited pedestrian- and bike-friendly spaces, the city could benefit from adopting proven design measures alongside modern enforcement technologies.”

Clark added:

“Safe roads require more than just good design — they demand accountability. By combining smarter infrastructure with fair enforcement, we can create streets that protect everyone and save lives. The path to safer streets lies in collaboration between urban planners, law enforcement, and communities. By embracing both innovative designs and responsible enforcement practices, cities like Bakersfield can lead the way in reducing traffic fatalities and creating safer environments for all road users.”

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.