Traffic Safety

The NYPD's failure to produce usable traffic crash data, or agree to change their data gathering and reporting procedures, is just one example of the obstacles confronting implementation of the city's landmark open data law.

October 13, 2013 - WNYC: Transportation Nation

It goes without saying that cycling entails a degree of risk - but are they unduly discussed to the point that it reduces ridership? Cyclicious blogger Richard Masoner gave the issue thought when he heard of a cyclist fatality in a familiar area.

September 23, 2013 - Cyclicious

DC traffic scofflaws beware: You may be recorded! In one of the nation's most comprehensive use of traffic cameras, motorists who run stop signs or don't stop for peds in crosswalks could find a "ticket in the mail". Plus, 132 cameras will be added.

September 18, 2013 - The Washington Post

Carmakers are developing technologies to alert drivers and pedestrians if they are about to collide.

September 6, 2013 - The Car Connection

All of that Congressional gridlock seems to be causing a lot of accidents. For the sixth year in a row, Washington D.C.'s drivers have come in last place in Allstate’s annual "America’s Best Drivers" report.

August 29, 2013 - The Washington Post

Many people believe that cities are dangerous due to exaggerated fears of urban crime. Cities are actually far safer and healthier than suburban and rural locations, and smart growth policies can further enhance their safety and health advantages.

July 29, 2013 - Todd Litman

1.2 million people are killed by road collisions every year, says a new report from the World Health Organization. Across the world, it's the leading cause of death for 15- to 29-year-olds. Nick Mead discusses the report's chilling findings.

March 18, 2013 - The Guardian

Governments need money to finance transportation system improvements, but revenues from traditional sources are flat. This is leading to debate over how best to generate new funds. There are many possible options, some better than others, because in addition to raising revenue, they support other strategic objectives. Politicians will be tempted to choose the easiest funding options. It is up to planners to point out the best options, taking into account all impacts.

January 27, 2013 - Todd Litman

Not usually regarded for their outside the box thinking, transportation engineers have nevertheless come up with some radical ideas for improving the flow of traffic and reducing the potential for collisions at busy intersections.

January 27, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

When it comes to enforcing laws like jaywalking, strictly imposed tickets and fines motivate people to change their behavior. John Cichowski discusses whether light-hearted, even humorous, suggestions can be as effective as heavy-handed prosecution.

January 9, 2013 - NorthJersey.com

New data released this week shows that automobile fatalities dropped last year to the lowest level in 62 years. At the same time, deaths of bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcycle riders and big-rig truck drivers increased, reports Ashley Halsey III.

December 11, 2012 - The Washington Post

After a decade of steady declines in traffic-related fatalities in New York City, amid a focused effort to improve traffic safety, Robert Kolker examines why such deaths spiked upward of 23 percent in the past year.

November 28, 2012 - New York Magazine

A new report by the transportation research group TRIP documents the status, safety impacts, and costs of Texas' growing infrastructure crisis.

October 5, 2012 - Streetsblog D.C.

Conflicting opinions have arisen over the use of red-light cameras. But, new evidence may finally put an end to arguments over whether they actually improve safety, or are only effective in increasing revenues.

October 4, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

In an effort to make the city's streets safer for the legions of distracted pedestrians gazing downwards at guidebooks and phone screens, NYC is taking a page from its compatriots in London and installing exhortations to “LOOK!” in its crosswalks.

September 20, 2012 - The New York Times

Hannah Fairfield charts two variables - miles traveled versus deaths per 100,000 population - over the last 60+ years, and notes key technological or behavioral breakthroughs, to offer unique insight into advancements in driving safety.

September 19, 2012 - The New York Times

No this isn't about a gathering of "Knight Rider" enthusiasts. Rather than speaking to their leather jacket-clad drivers, the cars being tested in Michigan communicate with each other, with the goal of improving safety on the nation’s highways.

August 22, 2012 - The New York Times

Matt Flegenheimer reports on Mayor Bloomberg's announcement this week that the city plans to expand its so-called neighborhood slow-zone program, which is aimed at reducing driving speeds in neighborhoods across town.

July 12, 2012 - The New York Times

Sarah Goodyear chronicles the transition of streets in America from public space to the exclusive domain of autos. Professor Peter Norton, author of "Fighting Traffic: Dawn of the Motor Age" explains the ingenuous strategy of the auto industry.

May 2, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

After a cyclist fatally collided with an elderly pedestrian on a crowded Castro District crosswalk on March 29, city leaders are considering following the Bicycle Advisory Committee's recommendation to send cyclists who break traffic laws to class.

April 12, 2012 - The San Francisco Examiner