[Markoff]

I'd say it's more likely thanks to more cars and better news coverage, now you hear about every kid being attacked/abused, while in past this was not so widely available knowledge playing into parents fear

[pier25]

have you looked at countries where the car culture is not so prevalent as the US?

[Markoff]

I'm not from US, this is problem everywhere, no matter whether you are in China or middle of Europe, actually I'd say there was much bigger increase in car ownership in recent decades outside US than in the US, especially in China and Eastern Europe

so this is my biggest fear with my kids roaming outside - whether someone will hit them with the car, 2nd biggest would be probably potential attacks/bullying by immigrants (kids)

[nozzlegear]

I agree with better news coverage (I'd argue it's more news coverage, in which social media plays a huge role), but I'm not sure I understand your point about more cars?

[Markoff]

I'm considering cars the biggest danger for free roaming kids alone outside.

[nozzlegear]

I think I would agree with that. I don't have kids, but I have a lot of nieces and nephews, and my biggest fear for them playing alone outside would be getting hit by a driver who isn't paying attention.