http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/transportation_issues/ Mass transit proposals, solar collectors from asphalt roads, ideas for efficient travel. Read about scientific research and policies on a range of transportation ideas and issues. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:05:01 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/transportation_issues/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210111254.htm Drivers who consume cannabis within three hours of driving are nearly twice as likely to cause a vehicle collision as those who are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to a new review. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210111254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125202759.htm A team of resource economist researchers has revised the cost burden sharply upward for childhood asthma and for the first time include the number of cases attributable to air pollution, in a new study. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125202759.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214151144.htm A new study suggests that two influential early studies of cellphone use and crash risk may have overestimated the relative risk of conversation on cellphones while driving. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214151144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121022.htm The current Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards create a financial incentive for auto companies to make bigger vehicles that are allowed to meet lower targets, according to a new study. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129123257.htm A new study shows that laws legalizing medical marijuana lead to fewer traffic deaths and less consumption of alcohol. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129123257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107155401.htm A city that obtains its power from renewable resources, where electric cars move quietly along the streets and which emits almost no carbon dioxide – that is the scenario of a sustainable city of the future in the vision of “Morgenstadt“. At the UrbanTec Trade Fair in Cologne from October 24-26, 2011, researchers in Germany are demonstrating which of the technologies shown can already be implemented today. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107155401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018111934.htm Alcohol-related fatal motor vehicle crashes in the US are much lower among drivers with Canadian licenses than drivers with US or Mexican licenses. Research from other countries finds foreign drivers are at greater risk of crashes than native drivers. In contrast, this study shows that drivers licensed in Mexico and Canada who were involved in fatal crashes in the US had the same or less alcohol impairment than US-licensed drivers. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018111934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124340.htm Electric and hybrid vehicles will be conquering the cities: cars, bicycles, buses and trains. This is why new ideas are in demand for individual and public transportation. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092035.htm As all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use continues to grow, so does the number of injuries. Children comprise about one-third of the 130,000 to 150,000 ATV-related emergency department visits each year and one-quarter of the more than 800 deaths. In fact, more children are injured from ATV crashes each year than from bicycles. Two new studies provide insights into the potential causes of ATV crashes as well as much-needed safety precautions. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112809.htm The end of a California program granting free access to carpool lanes by solo drivers of hybrid cars has unintentionally slowed traffic in all lanes, according to a new report. It turns out that when regular-use lanes became more congested with the addition of more hybrids, the carpool lanes slowed down as well. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007073218.htm A California-based study has looked in detail at air quality and the impact of traffic-related air pollution on premature birth. Results from the study show that traffic-related air pollution, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, is associated with up to a 30 percent increase in premature births, and that seasonal changes and vicinity to the coast affected concentration of toxic pollutants in the air. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007073218.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006173453.htm Researchers have found that drivers who test positive for marijuana or report driving within three hours of marijuana use are more than twice as likely as other drivers to be involved in motor vehicle crashes. The researchers also found evidence that crash risk increases with the concentration of marijuana-produced compounds in the urine and the frequency of self-reported marijuana use. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006173453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913161945.htm The use of stronger graduated driver licensing programs for 16- to 19-year old drivers in the US that included restrictions on nighttime driving and allowed passengers were associated with a lower incidence of fatal crashes among 16-year-old drivers, but a higher incidence among 18-year-olds, according to a new study. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913161945.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912144242.htm A new study finds that helicopters that service the drilling platforms and vessels in the Gulf of Mexico crash on average more than six times per year resulting in an average of five deaths per year. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912144242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143550.htm Researchers have developed SAFEPED, a computer simulation that integrates robots and driver statistics to identify traffic "black spots" and allows traffic planners to analyze and fix dangerous intersections. Based on a theory of human cognition, SAFEPED is far more true-to-life than other computer traffic models. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144032.htm Researchers have created a new Urban Network Analysis (UNA) toolbox that enables urban designers and planners to describe the spatial patterns of cities using mathematical network analysis methods. Such tools can support better informed and more resilient urban design and planning in a context of rapid urbanization. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822121718.htm Efforts to improve traffic safety have been aided by mathematical models that allow researchers to better assess those factors that impact the degree of injury suffered as a result of traffic crashes, researchers say. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822121718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175338.htm Millions of US drivers cross faulty or obsolete bridges every day, highway statistics show, but it's too costly to fix these spans or adequately monitor their safety, says a researcher who's developed a new, affordable early warning system. This wireless technology could avert the kind of fatal disaster along Minneapolis' I-35W on Aug. 1, 2007, he says -- and do so at one-one-hundredth the cost of current wired systems. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727204412.htm The deployment of speed cameras in urban areas saves vast amounts of money as well as lives, reveals a two-year financial analysis. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727204412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630073331.htm Researchers have developed a toolkit for measuring tranquillity that could enable neglected or overlooked urban parks to flourish and become a haven for stressed city workers. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630073331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623085953.htm It's well known that drunk driving can have fatal consequences, but a new study suggests that alcohol is not the only drug that's a danger on the road. Researchers found that of US drivers who died in a crash, about 25 percent tested positive for drugs. The most common drugs were marijuana and stimulants, including cocaine and amphetamines. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623085953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614122204.htm Since 2004, the Spanish Government has implemented several measures to reduce traffic injuries in Spain. Now a new study led by researchers from Catalonia reveals that toughening up legislation by criminalizing risky behavior helps to reduce the number of collisions on Spanish roads. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614122204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608123014.htm More and more states are passing laws to crack down on the use of mobile devices while driving. But a new study finds a widening gap between the evidence on distracted driving and the laws being passed to address the problem. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608123014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607121133.htm As automated traffic monitoring systems such as red light cameras keep a law enforcement "eye" on the streets across the country, many drivers accuse city governments of installing the monitors as a way to generate revenue. New research says the safety benefits of automated traffic monitoring systems far outweigh the potential for abuse. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607121133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524153534.htm Laws to prevent distracted driving, particularly in relation to cell phone use, have multiplied; a new study finds that there is a widening gap between the data on distracted driving and the laws used to curb it. Tue, 24 May 2011 15:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524153534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518131457.htm A U.S. nationwide survey asked consumers what changes to the common complaints of charging time and limited range are worth. For longer range, they'd pay $35-$75/mile. For faster charging, they'd pay up to $3,250/hour. A second study showed longer range isn't absolutely necessary for many. The current 100-mile range could work for 32 percent of people. Wed, 18 May 2011 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518131457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517111240.htm Young drivers who experience anxiety and depression are more likely to take risks on the road, according to a new study by researchers in Australia. The results of the study led by Bridie Scott-Parker, from QUT's Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety -- Queensland, have been published in the international journal Injury Prevention today. Tue, 17 May 2011 11:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517111240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511131138.htm The surge in passenger vehicle usage in the U.S. between the 1950s and today may be associated with surging levels of obesity, says a researcher who specializes in statistics and data analysis. Wed, 11 May 2011 13:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511131138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110510141435.htm Statisticians used new methods to looks at how demolishing Seattle's waterfront thoroughfare would affect commuters. They found that relying on surface streets would likely have less impact on travel times than previously reported, and that effects on commute times are highly uncertain. Tue, 10 May 2011 14:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110510141435.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503171613.htm How much would you pay for an extra year of healthy life? The cost of filling up your car at the petrol pumps? Researchers have found that a year of life could be saved for around the price of filling up the tank of an average family car in the UK -- which is a fitting comparison bearing in mind that most of the patients who will benefit from this cheap life-saving drug have been hit by cars. Tue, 03 May 2011 17:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503171613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425153607.htm It is safe to say that we are all guilty of these at some point in our day -- stifling a yawn in the middle of the work day, eyelids growing heavy and having the strong urge for caffeine when 3 p.m. rolls around. While most of us have experienced fatigue and lethargy on the job, spare a thought for those who hold the fate of people's lives in their hands. Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425153607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110415083145.htm A new study shows increased automobile crash rates among teen drivers who start school earlier in the morning. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110415083145.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110407101702.htm Cities worldwide are failing to take necessary steps to protect residents from the likely impacts of climate change, even though billions of urban dwellers are vulnerable to heat waves, sea level rise and other changes associated with warming temperatures. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110407101702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404105907.htm Using data from approximately 1.4 million users of Ono and NEWS (software programs) researchers can get a glimpse of Internet traffic from the user perspective. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404105907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110321093649.htm Individuals with poorer health or psychological issues may be prone to developing chronic widespread pain following a traumatic event. New research has found that the onset of chronic pain was more often reported following a traffic accident than from other physically traumatic triggers. Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110321093649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110318102248.htm There are potential legal ramifications for physicians of patients who drive with cognitive impairment, experts say. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110318102248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110308101327.htm Closely contested major sporting events are followed by a significant increase in traffic fatalities for fans of the winning team, according to new research. It turns out there may be more on the line than many sports fans bargained for. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110308101327.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110216110853.htm Researchers have developed the "Service Oriented Timetable," an application to intelligently manage the variables involved in metropolitan train travel. In simulations on the Israel Railway, the application shaved 12 minutes off a typical 60-minute journey. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110216110853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133325.htm Municipal "bike-sharing" is increasingly popular, but there have been growing pains -- partly because the projects have been so successful. Researchers are developing a software solution to improve the efficiency of this environmentally friendly transportation innovation. Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124111142.htm When it comes to economic development in American cities, the trusted old theory "If you build it, they will come" may not work, a sociologist argues in a new study. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124111142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120090952.htm Sleep researchers have determined that the air traffic controller in the crash of a Lexington, Ky., commuter flight was substantially fatigued when he failed to detect that the plane was on the wrong runway and cleared it for takeoff. Writing in a new study, the researchers say their findings suggest that mathematical models predicting fatigue could lead to schedules that reduce the risk of accidents by taking advantage of workers' sleep schedules and biological, or circadian, clocks. Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120090952.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110113131444.htm Older drivers could benefit from training programs that put them behind the wheel -- in a driving simulator, with an observer who helps them develop their skills, according to a new article. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110113131444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110103741.htm The so-called "superstreet" traffic design results in significantly faster travel times, and leads to a drastic reduction in automobile collisions and injuries, according to researchers who have conducted the largest-ever study of superstreets and their impacts. Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110103741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101123101539.htm Primary school children cannot accurately judge the speed of vehicles traveling faster than 20mph. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101123101539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115173849.htm Disruptive behavior disorders in male teenagers, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder are associated with about a one-third increase in the risk of being seriously injured in a road traffic crash -- either as driver or pedestrian. Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115173849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115173847.htm In France, the effect that all medicines have on driving performance has been classified into 4 levels of risk, from level 0 (no or negligible risk) to level 3 (major risk), and according to a new study, level 2 and 3 medicines are responsible for over 3 percent of road traffic crashes in France. Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115173847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101106082635.htm Each year over 40,000 people are killed on Europe’s roads, and 1.7 million injured. The partners of MEDEA+ project CARING CARS aim to drive down these chilling statistics with an innovative system comprising in-car sensors and a wireless infrastructure, capable of monitoring the vital signs of drivers and passengers and sounding an alert if there is a problem linked for example to driver’s fatigue. Sat, 06 Nov 2010 08:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101106082635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101101130133.htm Ignoring topography, efficiency, expense and even their own surveyors' recommendations, regional railroad officials in the mid-19th century diverted a new rail line around New Philadelphia, Ill., "the first town in the United States planned, platted and legally registered by an African American," a researcher reports. Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101101130133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101025161150.htm As the ice-capped Arctic Ocean warms, ship traffic will increase at the top of the world. And if the sea ice continues to decline, a new route connecting international trading partners may emerge -- but not without significant repercussions to climate, according to a US and Canadian research team. Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101025161150.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101006085231.htm Placing speed cameras on roads reduces the number of road traffic injuries and deaths, concludes a team of researchers from Australia. Wed, 06 Oct 2010 08:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101006085231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100923184455.htm African-American victims of motorcycle crashes were 1.5 times more likely to die from their injuries than similarly injured whites, even though many more of the African-American victims were wearing helmets at the time of injury, according to a new study. Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100923184455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100901073401.htm Spanish researchers have calculated the probability of dying in road accidents on the basis of the time taken for the emergency services to arrive. Their conclusions are clear: reducing the time between an accident taking place and the arrival of the emergency services from 25 to 15 minutes would cut the risk of death by one-third. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100901073401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100830114944.htm A city's size no longer is the key factor in building vibrant local economies, according to a new study. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100830114944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100825103824.htm The Wildlife Conservation Society and the Zoological Society of London are requesting that the Government of Tanzania reconsider the proposed construction of a commercial road through the world's best known wildlife sanctuary -- Serengeti National Park -- and recommend that alternative routes be used that can meet the transportation needs of the region without disrupting the greatest remaining migration of large land animals in the world. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100825103824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823080622.htm Although sledding is a popular winter pastime, it can unfortunately lead to serious injury. A new study found that from 1997-2007, an estimated 229,023 children and adolescents younger than 19 years were treated in US hospital emergency departments for sledding-related injuries -- an average of more than 20,000 cases each year. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823080622.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100817143916.htm Researchers in the UK have achieved a significant breakthrough in climate change policy by showing how to make drastic cuts in carbon dioxide emissions from transport. The study goes beyond the science and paints a picture of what a low carbon transport future would look like. What emerges is vision of a less stressful, quieter, healthier, more resilient and confident society. Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100817143916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100816095613.htm Gone are the days of basic, glaring lights inside cars to help us find our seatbelts or scramble for a map. Taking cues from research in buildings and offices, today's car designers have started to incorporate gentle ambient interior lighting, potentially enhancing night driving safety as well is increasing the feel good factor about vehicle interiors, according to new research. Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100816095613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100812093122.htm Electric and hybrid vehicles will take over the cities: cars, bicycles, buses and streetcars. New concepts are needed for individual and local public transportation. In the large-scale project, researchers in Germany are developing solutions for mobility of the future. The first results have now been presented. Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100812093122.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100811085414.htm A study shows an in-car coach has the strongest effect on drivers most prone to distraction, suggesting that technology could help prevent dangerous driving. Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100811085414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100804110212.htm While Americans are much more likely to die on rural highways than urban freeways, a new survey found that they feel much more relaxed and prone to risk-taking on rural highways. Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100804110212.htm