The death toll from lightning in the United States has decreased since the 1920s. This reduction in lightning-related fatalities can be attributed to several factors:
1. **Advancements in Technology:** Improved forecasting systems and early warning alerts have helped people to take precautionary measures during thunderstorms, thereby reducing the risk of being struck by lightning.
2. **Increased Awareness:** Public education campaigns and safety guidelines have raised awareness about the dangers of lightning and how to stay safe during thunderstorms. This awareness has contributed to a decrease in lightning-related deaths.
3. **Safety Measures:** The implementation of safety measures in various sectors such as outdoor events, sports activities, and construction sites has reduced the exposure of individuals to lightning strikes, thus lowering the death toll.
4. **Urbanization:** With more people living in urban areas rather than rural settings, where outdoor activities are more common, the chances of being struck by lightning have decreased due to the reduced exposure to open fields and high-risk areas.
Overall, the concerted efforts of improved technology, increased awareness, safety measures, and urbanization have collectively contributed to a decrease in the death toll from lightning strikes in the United States since the 1920s.
