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 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:05:01 EST Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:05:01 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/2009/11/091119193628.htm Researchers comparing the effectiveness of two interventions on driving-while-impaired re-offenders with alcohol problems found that one -- Brief Motivational Interviewing (BMI) -- was more effective. While both interventions led to significant declines in risky drinking, BMI produced significantly more pronounced and longer-lasting reductions in risking drinking compared to the control intervention. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117094937.htm A new study shows that three-stage graduated driver's licensing (GDL) policies save lives and prevents injuries throughout the Midwest. The research also shows how states could save more teen lives and avoid thousands of teen motor vehicle injuries by modifying their GDL policies to include new, proven components. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117094937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104161834.htm Heavy traffic corridors in the cities of Long Beach and Riverside are responsible for a significant proportion of preventable childhood asthma, and the true impact of air pollution and ship emissions on the disease has likely been underestimated, according to researchers. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104161834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171728.htm A new study compares neighborhoods' walkability (degree of ease for walking) with local levels of air pollution and finds that some neighborhoods might be good for walking, but have poor air quality. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171728.htm 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/2009/10/091015091558.htm Engineers have developed a methodology to help meet Europe's objective of cutting road deaths by 50 percent between 2000 and 2010. The researchers have calculated the relevant amount for each country according to its starting point, and have done the same for each of the Spanish provinces. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015091558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016162245.htm Phoning while driving and texting behind the wheel are in the news. This is the highway safety issue of the moment, the subject of cartoons and, on a more serious side, the focus of legislation. A key question is whether such laws succeed in changing patterns of driver cellphone use. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016162245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005111623.htm The costs of drinking and driving are all too apparent, with alcohol involved in 41 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2006. In addition to the mortality and morbidity, the economic impact of alcohol impaired driving is estimated at $51 billion. Now a new study has found that even minimally injured alcohol-impaired drivers account for higher emergency department costs than other drivers. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005111623.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/2009/09/090922095701.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/2009/09/090923105817.htm Every year European roads are built and repaired to the tune of several billion Euros. Intensive efforts are underway all over the world to get 'more road for your money' by developing better methods for both design and quality control of materials. One problem is that today there are no good methods for checking how robustly and safely the roads were built. Therefore they often don't last as long as they were supposed to and more money has to go to road construction. But now a young scientist has developed a method where sound waves can reveal what a road looks like underneath and thereby show whether it is being properly built. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923105817.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100010.htm A team of researchers in Spain has developed an intelligent surveillance system able to detect aberrant behavior by drivers and people on foot crossing pedestrian crossings and in other urban settings. The study could be used to penalize incorrect behavior. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123513.htm Levels of chloride, a component of salt, are elevated in many urban streams and groundwater across the northern United States, according to a new government study. Chloride levels above the recommended federal criteria set to protect aquatic life were found in more than 40 percent of urban streams tested. The study was released today by the US Geological Survey. Elevated chloride can inhibit plant growth, impair reproduction, and reduce the diversity of organisms in streams. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911114304.htm Mandatory alcohol testing programs for truck and bus drivers have contributed to a significant reduction in alcohol involvement in fatal crashes. Based on a study sample of nearly 70,000 motor carrier (heavy trucks and buses) drivers and over 83,000 non-motor-carrier (car) drivers, the estimated net effect of these programs was a 23 percent reduced risk of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911114304.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/2009/09/090909203148.htm Traffic noise raises blood pressure. Researchers have found that people exposed to high levels of noise from nearby roads are more likely to report suffering from hypertension. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909203148.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/2009/08/090831130704.htm Pedestrians and motorcyclists continue to be those most vulnerable in traffic accidents. Researchers in Spain have demonstrated an increase in the number of injuries among users of lightweight motorcycles after a law was passed in 2004 allowing the riding of motorbikes with a class B licence (for cars). In contrast, the study, focusing on Barcelona, confirms that the risk of having an accident has remained unchanged. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901104854.htm Increasing population and employment density in metropolitan areas could reduce vehicle travel, energy use, and carbon dioxide emissions from less than 1 percent up to 11 percent by 2050. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901104854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130414.htm A scientific trend to view the world's biggest cities as analogous to living, breathing organisms is fostering a deep new understanding of how poor air quality in megacities can harm residents, people living far downwind and also play a major role in global climate change. Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130414.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/2009/08/090814100109.htm New estimates say the federal government's "Cash for Clunkers" program is paying at least 10 times the "sticker price" to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090814100109.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811191651.htm Most older drivers are unaware of the potential impact on driving performance associated with taking medications, according to new research. The findings indicate that 95 percent of those age 55 and older have one or more medical conditions, 78 percent take one or more medications, and only 28 percent have an awareness of the risks those medications might have on driving ability. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811191651.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/2009/07/090716164339.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/2009/07/090707201211.htm Market crashes could lead to rises in homicides and suicides, unless governments invest in labor market protections, according to a new study. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707201211.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163527.htm It’s the same dilemma every morning: do you take your usual route with its frequent traffic jams, or try to get to work faster by going cross-country? And do you listen to the advice from the traffic information service, or work it out yourself? Researchers found that although we appear to be stubborn creatures of habit, good traffic information makes us a bit more adventurous. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163527.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/2009/06/090619112339.htm Recent public health studies on the US mass transit system have identified several sources of environmental hazards associated with mass transit, including excessive noise. Scientists have found that MTA subways had the highest average noise levels of all mass transit in New York City, with levels high enough to potentially increase the risk of noise induced hearing loss. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619112339.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/2009/04/090413141301.htm Active commuting -- walking or biking to school or work -- can be an easy, effective and efficient way to integrate physical activity into the daily routine, researchers say. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090413141301.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/2009/04/090407174626.htm Researchers have examined which minimum legal drinking age laws are the most effective in reducing alcohol-related crash fatalities among youth. Four MLDA laws have significant associations with fewer underage drinking-and-driving fatal crashes: possession, purchase, use and lose, and zero tolerance. Three more general laws that target all drivers were also effective: .08 percent blood alcohol concentration illegal per se law, secondary or upgrade to a primary seat-belt law, and an administrative license revocation law. Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090407174626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326134014.htm A new study suggests taking public transit may help you keep fit. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326134014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324101749.htm The risk of being involved in a traffic accident with personal injury is significantly higher among codeine users than non-users. However, sporadic or moderate use of codeine alone does not carry an increased risk, according to a new study from Norway. Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324101749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309092939.htm In a study that challenges the mandatory retirement of air traffic controllers at the age of 56 in the US, researchers have found that air traffic controllers up to age 64 perform as well as their young colleagues on complex, job-related tasks. Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309092939.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/2009/02/090209163319.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 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202175107.htm How long are the dashed lines that are painted down the middle of a road? Most people answer, "two feet." The real answer is 10 feet. That's the federal guideline for every street, highway, and rural road in the United States, where dashed lines separate traffic lanes or indicate where passing is allowed. A new study found that people grossly underestimate the length of these lines -- that implies we're all misjudging distances as we drive, and are driving too fast as a result. Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202175107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202135936.htm People living in environments with high levels of road traffic noise might be more likely to suffer myocardial infarction than people in quieter areas. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202135936.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202175045.htm A new study reveals that there was an increase in the rate of traffic fatalities in the three months following the 9/11 attacks, but only in the Northeast, the region closest to the terrorist attacks. The findings suggest that being close to the location of a traumatic event may increase psychological stress, which may, in turn, impair one's driving ability and thus lead to an increase in fatal traffic accidents. Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202175045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090120213156.htm Recent automobile accidents with tragic results have prompted questions about the eyesight of elderly drivers, but researchers say they are unable to determine whether vision tests actually lead to fewer fatal crashes. Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090120213156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090120204803.htm Street lighting provides a simple, low cost means of stemming the global epidemic of road traffic death and injury. Low income countries should consider installing more lights, and high income countries should think carefully before turning any off to reduce carbon emissions, is the advice from a new Cochrane Review. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090120204803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090112121819.htm When local revenue falls, traffic citations go up. Researchers have found statistical evidence that local governments use traffic citations to make up for revenue shortfalls. So as the economy tanks, motorists may be more likely to see red and blue in the rearview. Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090112121819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090114075915.htm People who were injured in road accidents had fewer problems and a much higher quality of life if they received a simple follow-up call from a nurse three weeks after being discharged from hospital, according to new research. Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090114075915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090106154402.htm With 30 million drivers in the US aged 65 and over, we count on older Americans to recognize when they can no longer drive safely and decide that it's time to stay off the road. A new study finds that a decrease in vision function is a key factor in bringing about this decision. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090106154402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081231131218.htm Researchers have developed an automobile ignition key that prevents teenagers from talking on cell phones or sending text messages while driving. Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081231131218.htm