In three years, the number of deaths caused by guns in America is expected to exceed the number of traffic fatalities for the first time in modern U.S. history.
The number of shooting deaths is expected to rise to 32,929 in 2015, according to a 10-year average based on Centers for Disease Control Data. By contrast, the number of traffic deaths is expected to continue its fall and decline to 32,036 thanks to advances in safety technology.
By contrast, “we’ve made policy decisions that have had the impact of making the widest array of firearms available to the widest array of people under the widest array of conditions,” Garen Wintemute, a professor at the University of California-Davis, tells Bloomberg, which compiled the data.
The number of annual traffic fatalities in America peaked in 1979, with more than 53,524 Americans killed on the road. The 10-year average has fallen since.
Gun deaths peaked at 37,666 in 1993, declined to 28,393 in 2000, and have gradually increased over the past decade, according to the Bloomberg data.
Featured Gallery
With the end of 2012 bearing down upon us, automakers have effectively shifted their lineups to all 2013 model year vehicles. What this means is that leftover 2012 vehicles that didn’t sell are being heavily discounted in order to make room on dealer lots for the new 2013 models.
Some of these cars have been redesigned for 2013, making them a completely different vehicle from what they were before. Others are simply a carryover from 2012. Even if a car has been redesigned for 2013, like the Ford Escape, the 2012 model is often still a very capable vehicle and a good buy, especially since you can likely bag one on the cheap.
We’ve found some great deals for you on outgoing 2012 models. Click through to see some vehicles are selling at steep discounts right now as dealers try to clear them off of their lots. If you can find one of these, you should be able to save a bundle.
MSRP: $15,345 – $20,595
Invoice: $14,918 – $19,727
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg City, 38 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2012 Model): 6.20%
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2013 Model): 5.10%
TheHyundai Elantra is a compact car with handsome styling and nice lines. It has excellent interior space and standard safety equipment.
The current generation Elantra can seat up to five and has very accommodating trunk space. Two trim levels are offered: GLS and Limited. Both use a 148-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the GLS trim, while a six-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC is standard on the Limited trim and available on the GLS.
The Elantra was named North American Car of the Year for 2012 and was the AOL Autos pick for the best car of 2012 as well.
Research the Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra Photos & Information
Hyundai Elantra Best Deals
Hyundai Elantra Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $20,590 – $32,950
Invoice: $19,746 – $31,600
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 32 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2012 Model): 7.68%
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2013 Model): 5.40%
TheVolkswagen Passat was all-new for 2012 and is the largest passenger car in the VW line-up. It has all the refinements and technology expected of a sophisticated German vehicle, but is now built in the USA specifically for the North American customer.
The Passat is offered as a front-wheel drive four-door sedan with three engine choices; a 170-hp, 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder, a 140-hp, 2.0-liter TDI diesel four-cylinder, and a 280-hp 3.6-liter VR6.
Research the Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat Photos & Information
Volkswagen Passat Best Deals
Volkswagen Passat Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $36,725
Invoice: $34,400
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg City, 28 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2012 Model): 7.68%
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2013 Model): 4.27%
Completely redesigned for 2013,Lexus ES 350 models from 2012 are selling at steep discounts in order for dealers to make room for the new inventory. If you can find one, you should be able to get a pretty sweet deal on the older generation of this Lexus.
The ES 350 sends power to the front wheels via a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Safety features include dual front airbags, knee airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and a tire-pressure monitor system.
Research the Lexus ES 350
Lexus ES 350 Photos & Information
Lexus ES 350 Best Deals
Lexus ES 350 Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $21,250 – $34,850
Invoice: $20,530 – $32,720
Fuel Economy: 20 mpg City, 27 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2012 Model): 8.40%
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2013 Model): 7.52%
TheSorento is Kia’s entry into the cross-over utility vehicle (CUV) segment. The Sorento features unibody construction and a streamlined, modern appearance.
The Sorento is available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4×4) in five or seven-seat configurations. A 175-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 191-hp direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 276-hp 3.5-liter V6 are the available engine choices.
Research the Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento Photos & Information
Kia Sorento Best Deals
Kia Sorento Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $16,130 – $17,990
Invoice: $15,243 – $16,674
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg City, 34 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2012 Model): 9.10%
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2013 Model): 8.10%
TheToyota Corolla is a front-wheel drive five-passenger compact sedan, well-known for being reliable and economical, yet refined and comfortable.
The Corolla comes in three trims: Base, S, and LE. The powertrain is a 132 horsepower, 1.8-liter dual VVT-I engine, matched with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. All models come standard with front, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, ABS with brake assist, and whiplash protecting front seat active head restraints.
Research the Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla Photos & Information
Toyota Corolla Best Deals
Toyota Corolla Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $21,440 – $28,120
Invoice: $20,315 – $26,180
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg City, 28 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2012 Model): 10.00%
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2013 Model): 5.90%
Like the Lexus ES, theFord Escape was completely redesigned for 2013, making for some serious discounts on the 2012 models. Although the 2013 has been entirely revamped, the 2012 Escape is still a very capable and comfortable CUV.
The Escape is available in XLS, XLT or Limited trim, with either front or four-wheel drive. The XLS features a 171-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. The XLT and Limited trims feature the same 2.5-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 240-hp 3.0-liter E85 capable V6 is an available upgrade on XLT and Limited models.
Research the Ford Escape
Ford Escape Photos & Information
Ford Escape Best Deals
Ford Escape Local Dealer Price Quote
MSRP: $20,550 – $31,200
Invoice: $19,699 – $28,904
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg City, 32 mpg Highway
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2012 Model): 12.01%
Average Discount Off Of MSRP (2013 Model): 9.00%
TheNissan Altima was also completely redesigned for 2013, causing dealers to put some really great incentives on outgoing 2012 models. If you can find you, you should be able to bag a 2012 Altima on the cheap
The Nissan Altima is powered by either a 175-hp 2.5-liter I4 or a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 and the transmission choices include a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Altima trims include: 2.5 (sedan only), 2.5 S and 3.5 SR.
Research the Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima Photos & Information
Nissan Altima Best Deals
Nissan Altima Local Dealer Price Quote