http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/transportation_science/ Transportation Research. From designing the best transportation systems to improving drivers' speed and safety, find research on transportation science here. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/transportation_science/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111919.htm Researchers conducted one of the first longitudinal analyses of the effect of public policies to reduce motorcycle injuries and fatalities. According to the study, the most significant policy in reducing both fatal and non-fatal motorcycle injuries is the universal helmet laws. The findings indicate that about 489 lives could have been saved if universal helmet laws were in effect in all 48 states in 2005. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029152047.htm Nervous drivers are being helped to overcome their road phobias by donning Cyclops-style goggles that transport them to a three-dimensional virtual world. Researchers have recruited volunteers with a variety of driving phobias to test whether virtual reality can be used alongside conventional psychological therapies to help tackle their fears. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029152047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005094951.htm CMOS image sensors in special cameras – as used for driver assistance systems – mostly only provide monochrome images and have a limited sensitivity to light. Thanks to a new production process these sensors can now distinguish color and are much more sensitive to light. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005094951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012100512.htm European researchers have developed promising approaches to a long-neglected aspect of car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communications: fault-tolerance and resilience. The technology is a vital component of emerging applications in such communication scenarios. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012100512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005123041.htm Injury is the leading cause of death for children over the age of one in industrialized countries and improving the safety of artificial environments will benefit children's health, according to a new paper. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005123041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191314.htm Area-wide traffic calming schemes that discourage through-traffic from using residential roads are effective at reducing traffic-related injuries in high-income countries and may even reduce deaths. However, more research needs to be carried out to see whether these interventions will work in low- and middle-income countries, according to a review of the available evidence. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915101351.htm A new research project works out how to keep car-to-car data transmissions private and secure from malicious hackers. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915101351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095701.htm Results from Australia's largest study of young drivers have shown that they are at significant risk of crash on rural roads. According to researchers from The George Institute, young drivers living in rural areas are more likely to be involved in serious crashes than those in urban areas. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922100336.htm Scientists from six European countries have developed a new computer system, called DRIVSCO, that allows vehicles to learn from the behaviour of their drivers at the wheel, in such a way that they can detect if a driver presents an “unusual behavior” in a curve or an obstacle on the road and generates signals of alarm which warn the driver on time to react. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922100336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071957.htm In spite of rising energy prices, many car drivers in large cities still ride alone. The OpenRide mobile ridesharing service aims to save them money while reducing the amount of traffic and thus the burden on the environment. At the IFA international consumer electronics exhibition in Berlin, researchers presented a prototype of their open infrastructure for organizing spontaneous ridesharing opportunities. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910091633.htm What will the weather be like over the next few hours on the A3 between Nuremberg and Würzburg? Could fog be a problem? A new system will enable automakers to offer their customers additional services -- such as weather information or details of vacant parking spaces. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910091633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122438.htm Air, road traffic and water flows can only be accurately predicted with computer simulations if the computers can automatically focus on important changes in an area, say researchers. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142506.htm Transportation researchers in Germany analyzed traffic accident statistics and came to a surprising result: city dwellers have less severe traffic accidents than rural inhabitants. This invalidates one of the most important arguments in favor of a house in the countryside. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903165013.htm Researchers have developed a new computer model that can be used as a design tool for automotive designers to help ensure that vehicle designs can accommodate the safety needs of pregnant occupants. Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903165013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827101241.htm A toxic cocktail of ultrafine particles is lurking inside road tunnels in concentration levels so high they have the potential to harm drivers and passengers, a new study has found. Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827101241.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824204832.htm European researchers have developed new control systems that let driverless vehicles communicate and cooperate with each other. Could fleets of high throughput rapid transit systems soon be cruising our cities? Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824204832.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824205740.htm A European research project has developed technologies that pave the way for highly efficient unmanned public transport systems. In congested cities, it is hard to imagine that private cars and taxis could ever be replaced by a public transport system that provides a personal, door-to-door service. But this is exactly the long-term vision of one researcher. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824205740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727102042.htm A new system that can tell when you are yawning and could prevent road traffic accidents. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727102042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727080836.htm The most important way to reduce carbon dioxide from transport is to get the transport sector integrated into the overall energy system, according to experts. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727080836.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723113704.htm Australia's largest study of young drivers has shown that risky driving habits are putting young drivers at a significantly increased risk of crashing, irrespective of their perceptions about road safety. The study surveyed 20,000 young drivers and examined their crashes reported to police. Young drivers involved in the study who said they undertook risky driving were 50 percent more likely to crash. Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723113704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716164339.htm The repeal of the federal speed control law in 1995 has resulted in an increase in road fatalities and injuries, according to researchers. Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716164339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715160813.htm A retrofitted four-wheel dirt buggy uses laser range finders, an instant voice command interface and a host of other innovative, cutting-edge technology to guide blind drivers as they steer, brake and accelerate. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715160813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714103524.htm How can rescue units be better protected during disaster operations or avalanche victims be found quicker? A new localization system connects satellite-based positioning systems with terrestrial locating aids and situation-dependent sensory systems. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714103524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701150851.htm Researchers have developed a groundbreaking middleware platform that could lead to thousands of new applications in a range of industries. Beginning with in-car electronics, the platform can access the functionality, but hide the underlying complexity, of embedded sensors, making development and deployment of new services a snap. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701150851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626140130.htm Controlling road traffic in congested areas is difficult to say the least, a point to which any drive-time urban commuter might testify. An organic approach to traffic lights, might help solve the problem and avoid traffic jams and gridlock, according to new research. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626140130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618172409.htm Scientists have found that during the hours before sunrise, freeway air pollution extends much further than previously thought. Pollutants were found 1.5 miles from I-10 in California during early morning hours. Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618172409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625074510.htm New research could offer a solution to one of the most annoying sounds on our roads -- brake squeal. There are lots of mechanical myths about what causes a car's brakes to produce that biting howl. The all too familiar piercing squeal is heard at road junctions and traffic lights the world over as drivers hit the brakes. But, understanding what causes brake squeal might help researchers find a way to stop it. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625074510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626091129.htm An emergency rule intended to reduce the number of deaths and injuries associated with Hawaiian air tours was followed by a 47 percent reduction in sightseeing crashes, according to a new study. However, the proportion of crashes that resulted in lives lost actually increased after the rule change due to an increase in crashes that resulted from poor visibility. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626091129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608151550.htm Countless hours are lost in traffic jams every year. Most frustrating of all are those jams with no apparent cause -- no accident, no stalled vehicle, no lanes closed for construction. Such phantom jams can form when there is a heavy volume of cars on the road. In that high density of traffic, small disturbances (a driver hitting the brake too hard, or getting too close to another car) can quickly become amplified into a full-blown, self-sustaining traffic jam. A team of mathematicians has developed a model that describes how and under what conditions such jams form, which could help road designers minimize the odds of their formation. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608151550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090603091302.htm A new routing and monitoring system developed by European researchers for trucks carrying dangerous goods promises to make Europe’s roads safer while saving haulers time and money. Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090603091302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522132001.htm A synoptic view of European shipping routes can be seen for the first time thanks to a new map created using seven years of radar data from ESA's Envisat satellite. Despite the fact that ships are more energy efficient than other forms of commercial transportation, many marine engines operate on extremely dirty fuel that causes large emissions of air pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Wed, 27 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522132001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526183731.htm The thought of a car or truck that can drive itself is at once both exciting and frightening. Autonomous vehicle navigation, as the technology is known, may make life more convenient if it allows people to kick back and enjoy a good book or movie while their cars guide themselves through rush-hour traffic. But what happens if it starts to rain or if traffic suddenly picks up? Wed, 27 May 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526183731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518103337.htm Researchers have developed a bespoke system that will prevent accidents by using highly advanced sensing systems which track road users. The WATCH-OVER project uses a cooperative system, where both cars and vulnerable road users “are seen” and able to “communicate” with each other. Wed, 20 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518103337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090516174340.htm It is well established that seat belts save lives. However, many pregnant women do not wear seat belts, for fear that the belt itself could injure the baby in a car crash. But is this actually the case? Tue, 19 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090516174340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090512093549.htm Connected vehicles and infrastructure can produce and share real-time traffic and environment information, which, when processed and delivered to drivers, will improve mobility efficiency, lead to fewer traffic accidents and reduce road congestion, fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and driver frustration. Thu, 14 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090512093549.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511122418.htm Researchers have found that an alarming two-thirds of the booster seats observed in a study conducted throughout Indiana were not being used appropriately. Thu, 14 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511122418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420121333.htm Researchers have developed a new method for systematically identifying bugs in aircraft collision avoidance systems, high-speed train controls and other complex, computer-controlled devices, collectively known as cyber-physical systems. Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420121333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422151834.htm "Congestion pricing" could solve the problem of airport delays, says an economist. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422151834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090416105346.htm The MARTA project develops technological solutions to the growing problem of traffic congestion, making driving a safer and more comfortable experience for all road users. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090416105346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090408194818.htm Scientists are testing an innovative technological system in the Detroit area this month that ultimately will help protect drivers from being surprised by black ice, fog, and other hazardous weather conditions. Sat, 11 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090408194818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090410123455.htm Instead of abiding by gravel road speed limits, people are more likely to use their own judgment to gauge how fast they should drive on the roads. Lowering speed limits may not do any good, researchers say. Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090410123455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090327092904.htm What possible connection could there be between an eighteenth century British Presbyterian minister and preventing road traffic accidents in Hartford, Connecticut? Everything, according to a report in the International Journal of Intelligent Systems Technologies and Applications. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090327092904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090329205556.htm Advanced passive vehicle systems complement active ones in saving lives on Europe's road, according to European researchers. Accidents on Europe's roads led to 43,000 deaths and 1.2 million injuries in 2007. The EU wants to cut the number of fatalities to about 25,000 a year. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090329205556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090310104740.htm Painted road markings, such as the lines separating traffic lanes, are significantly better at reflecting headlights in the direction that the paint was applied. This finding will help determine how states comply with new federal safety regulations and save big money on painting their roadways. Sat, 14 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090310104740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311111002.htm Truck crashes are a significant public health hazard causing thousands of deaths and injuries each year, with driver fatigue and sleepiness being major causes. A new study has confirmed previous findings that obesity-driven testing strategies identify commercial truck drivers with a high likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea and suggests that mandating OSA screenings could reduce the risk of truck crashes. Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311111002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090304160404.htm Cell phones are a danger on the road in more ways than one. Two new studies show that talking on the phone while traveling, whether you're driving or on foot, is increasing both pedestrian deaths and those of drivers and passengers, and recommend crackdowns on cell use by both pedestrians and drivers. Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090304160404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090225161040.htm Global airlines be forewarned: June 2010 could be a busy month for invasive plants, insects and animals seeking free rides to distant lands. Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090225161040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209163319.htm Following a rollover automobile accident, driver and passengers are usually unable to call for help. So, unless the accident occurs on a busy road, rescue is unlikely to arrive in time to save them. Researchers describe SAVE, which could solve that problem and reduce deaths on the roads. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209163319.htm