That argument, though I'm sure it would be effective for many, only looks at the short term and doesn't see the forest for the trees.

Automobile accidents are expensive too - to the tune of $230 billion per year. If a prevention program worked it wouldn't necessarily add to the average person's cost of living, and could possibly actually save money. How much higher are your insurance premiums (health and auto) because of all those accidents? How much more in taxes do you pay because of benefits to people who are hurt or killed, to support hospitals who treat the uninsured? To support people after their lives and finances have been torn apart? Prevention is generally cheaper than cure....