Title: Drive-By America

Publication Date: July 2010

What does it say?

This study follows up a 2007 report on shootings from vehicles at individuals, buildings, or other vehicles.  This new edition collects data from the Google news search engine from July 1 to December 1, 2008.

Researchers found that 154 people were killed and 631 individuals were injured in 733 drive-by shootings in the six-month period.  California led the country in the number of reported incidents, with 148 drive-by shootings that killed 40 and injured 129. The next highest included Texas, Florida, Illinois, and Washington. Only four states (Maine, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Wyoming) did not have an incident during the study period.

Almost half of all shootings targeted a home, followed another vehicle or a bicycle. Incidents occurred most commonly between 7:00 p.m. and midnight and peaked in August. Possible gang involvement was noted in 17 percent of the incidents.

How can I use it?

Shootings from vehicles threaten public spaces and put community members in danger, including innocent bystanders.  Use the results of this study to make it harder for dangerous people to access highly lethal guns by strengthening U.S. gun laws.

Citation

Violence Policy Center, Drive-By America (Second Edition), July 2010.