It's important to note that, according to the chart, both are on the decline. Auto deaths are simply declining further. Gun ownership is an important civil lib

It's important to note that, according to the chart, both are on the decline. Auto deaths are simply declining further. Gun ownership is an important civil liberty in the USA, but one that comes with danger. The Economist is recommending a technological approach to mitigating that danger. Research and development has been done in this department, and many technologies have been applied to modern firearms. Better safeties that prevent accidental discharge, better safes, ammunition that prevents over-penetration, etc. We have yet to see a simple and trustworthy technology that limits who can fire a gun. When we do, it will start to be used. For such a technology to work, the user needs to feel in complete control of it. There can be zero risk that an authorized user won't be able to fire the gun due to system failure or low battery. Ultimately, though, no technological solution will prevent suicide. For that, a different approach will be necessary, and I don't have an answer for that.