Couple things standout between 1980 and today.

3x the # of accident deaths
4x the # of homicides
2x the # of illness deaths

Possible causal factors:

1) Dramatically improved car safety
2) Steep reduction in drunk driving. Massive societal attitude change since 1980.
3) Reduction in motorcycle driving. Increase in helmet use.
4) Healthier individuals w/ greater illness survival — better diet, preventative care.
5) Improved medical care — increases survival of acute illnesses and accidents.
6) Higher recruiting standards — keeping out people prone to violence and drunkenness.
1980 had about a 40% higher # in Active Duty. So an increase is expected.

The 4x # of homicides in 1980 is interesting. Less drunkenness likely a major factor. The homicide reduction happened society-wide though. There are some theories widespread lead poisoning (due to lead paint and drinking water contamination) boosted violence and murder rates in the 60s and 70s … which then dropped in the 80s and 90s.

army