A powerful new map shows each of the 369,629 motor vehicle passenger (including the driver), motorcyclist, bicyclist, and pedestrian fatalities in the US from 2001-2009 with a color-coded dot per fatality. Each dot also gives …
safety
Study: Grandma and Grandpa driving more safely
You may not believe it, but Grandma and Grandpa are driving more safely than they did a decade ago. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, older drivers are driving more safely in recent years …
Britain to raise motorway speed limit to 80mph
Britain plans to raise the speed limit on the country’s motorway system from 70mph to 80mph. The government expects the move to increase economic efficiency and commuter satisfaction through the reduction of journey times. Studies …
Long distances and a lack of sidewalks don’t explain the small number of kids walking to school
While the federal Safe Routes to School program has spent hundreds of millions of dollars in communities throughout the U.S. on sidewalks, crossings, and education to improve safety and increase the number of children walking …
Testing now: Vehicles that communicate with each other to avoid crashes
US DOT launched a major test of innovative vehicle safety technology using cars and trucks that will communicate hazards in real time. The connected vehicle test will go on for a year in Ann Arbor, …
The next roundabout?
A new intersection design is being introduced at high volume highway interchanges in states across the U.S. The diverging diamond interchange (simulation), described by Tom Vanderbilt in a recent Slate article, reduces queue lengths and …
CAFE standard sound off
The new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard has been released and there is no shortage of opinions on its worth. Here is a roundup of various responses to the Obama administration’s new fuel efficiency standard: …
Maximizing investments in work zone safety in Oregon
In 2008, 720 fatalities occurred in work zones throughout the nation. This figure is two percent of all roadway fatalities for the year. With limited funds for safety, the Oregon Department of Transportation initiated a …
Six ideas for fixing the nations infrastructure problems.
Two writers for Governing, Russell Nichols and Ryan Holeywell, have come up with a thoughtful set of ideas, ranging from revamping the highway trust fund to empowering state and local governments to “get cities to …
Dimming the lights without diminishing safety
In a pilot project, the Maryland Highway Administration is investigating whether fewer highway lights can be used without compromising safety.