Articles tagged with Automobile Traffic
A University of Houston study found that strategic investments in smaller and midsize cities can yield more new riders per dollar than larger metropolitan areas. Smaller systems may have more room to attract new riders due to limited practical transportation options before.
A cross-sectional study in US traffic fatalities found a significant association between major music album releases and increased traffic fatalities, potentially attributed to distracted driving. The study suggests that online music streaming through smartphones may contribute to this risk.
Researchers developed a method to modify vehicle sounds using auditory augmented reality, which can draw pedestrian attention without loud warnings. By artificially increasing the frequency of approaching vehicle sounds, participants judged the vehicle as moving faster and closer.
A new study from Carnegie Mellon University and Oxford Saïd Business School found that the entry of ride-hailing platforms drove measurable increases in economic output and intermittent employment. Regional GDP per capita increased, and the number of seasonal, temporary, or intermittent jobs rose after Uber and Lyft entered the region.
Global road injury rates declined by 38.3% for new cases and 32.3% for deaths between 1990 and 2023, but progress was uneven across income groups. Low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden, with nearly six times higher mortality rates than high-income countries.
Long-term exposure to road traffic noise was associated with a higher risk of Parkinson's disease, according to the study. Having a quiet facade mitigated this association, suggesting that reducing noise levels may be a viable strategy for preventing or managing the condition.
Research shows that road verges with heavy traffic can be deadly for bumblebees, while those with low traffic have a mortality rate of near zero. The study suggests investing in species-rich road verges may not replace traditional conservation habitats.
The MOVEO general assembly showcased advancements in smart transport connections, with a focus on EU-funded research and innovation. The project aims to unite expertise from nine European countries to improve inspection, monitoring, logistics, mobility, and inclusiveness.
A research project led by University of Tennessee at Knoxville associate professor Candace Brakewood aims to evaluate the impact of congestion pricing on public transit systems. The study will focus on New York City's recent implementation, analyzing how it increased transit ridership across subway, bus, and regional rail systems.
Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) in Salt Lake City have declined significantly over the past two decades, driven by improved vehicle technology and emission standards. Meanwhile, levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), a major contributor to climate change, have remained relatively steady.
Researchers examined how autonomous vehicles affect morning commutes and parking in business districts, finding that AVs could increase vehicle hours and miles traveled. Urban planners can adapt policies to accommodate AVs by adjusting parking fees or infrastructure, reducing total system cost by up to 28.5 percent.
Residents of favelas in São Paulo exhibit less daily movement variability than those living in formal areas with similar incomes. Despite higher economic conditions, infrastructure challenges impact mobility access and stability. The study uses mobile phone data to analyze movement patterns over several weeks.
A simulation study forecasted potential injury reductions in the US with AV adoption, suggesting a possible decrease in road traffic injuries. However, predicted confidence intervals remain broad, and no scenario reduced injuries outside of these bounds.
A new international study found that people with central vision loss can judge the motion of vehicles almost as accurately as those with normal vision. When both visual and auditory information were available, the two groups showed comparable accuracy in estimating the arrival time of approaching vehicles. The research, published in PL...
A new method analyzes nearby vehicle motion to estimate road's trajectory and vanishing point, capturing distant road areas and enhancing safety. The system outperformed conventional and deep learning-based techniques in tests under day and night conditions, reducing intersection-related accidents.
A study by Graz University of Technology found that brake emissions, tyre wear, and resuspended particles from car traffic are major contributors to particulate matter. Compliance with new EU air quality limits may be difficult due to the limited effectiveness of tyres and roads in reducing these emissions.
A new study from the Complexity Science Hub found that European cities with a metro system have a significant reduction in car use, with an average of 37% of car trips compared to 50% in cities with only trams and 54% without rail. In contrast, tram cities show no measurable impact on reducing car use.
A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that nearly a quarter of MA drivers run through the red light at pedestrian hybrid beacons. Drivers also often stop too soon or fail to slow down during flashing yellow phases, causing confusion and potential safety issues.
A new study by Portland State University's Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) reveals that transit-oriented developments (TODs) in the Portland metro area generate significantly fewer car trips than previously estimated. At affordable housing sites, car trips were reduced to only a quarter to two-fifths of expected rates.
Researchers at FAU have developed a smarter AI framework that can manage complex systems with unequal levels of authority and adapt to imperfect information. The framework, based on reinforcement learning and game theory, reduces unnecessary computation while maintaining system stability and optimal strategy outcomes.
Scientific research indicates that Spain must significantly reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from road traffic and control industrial emissions to lower tropospheric ozone levels before 2030. Implementing measures such as maximizing renewable energy use, promoting electrification of transportation, and implementing emission controls for...
A transportation system management and operations data exchange solution will be developed by SwRI for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The platform aims to enhance mobility, safety, and infrastructure management in the region. It will serve as a regional clearinghouse for real-time transportation system data.
A new study published in JACC found that using portable HEPA air filters at home can significantly lower systolic blood pressure in adults with elevated readings. The study found an average 2.8 mmHg reduction in SBP after one month of HEPA filtration.
A Safe Systems Approach emphasizes that road users, designers, operators, policymakers, administrators, and healthcare professionals all have a role to play in reducing fatalities. By adopting this approach, countries can realize significant success in eliminating roadway deaths, but full commitment from stakeholders is necessary.
A recent study from Graz University of Technology found that adding front brake lights to vehicles can prevent up to 17% of collisions at road junctions. The research used accident reconstruction and simulation to analyze the effect of the added lights on road safety.
A new study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that teen drivers who practiced more had 30% fewer crash or near-crash incidents. Researchers analyzed data from 82 teen drivers monitored for 22 months, revealing that supervised driving experiences and safety education are crucial for reducing novice driver risks.
A synthetic lichen system developed by Texas A&M researchers enables concrete to heal itself without outside intervention. This innovation uses cyanobacteria and filamentous fungi to produce crack-filling minerals, setting it apart from previous self-healing concrete endeavors.
A study found that exposure to traffic-related air pollution in childhood is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance later in life. Higher BMI growth from early adolescence into young adulthood may partially explain this link.
The USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness is leading a four-year project to identify and overcome obstacles in adopting the latest trauma triage guidelines. The goal is to produce guidelines that are equally useful and relevant for anyone, whether they are in urban or rural areas.
A study of over 500 schools in Canada found that 98% exhibit risky driving behaviors, including double parking and not obeying traffic controls. The authors suggest improvements to the built environment and parental education to address this serious issue.
Risky driving by parents and motorists during school drop-offs is a widespread issue, with 98% of elementary schools witnessing unsafe behavior. Experts suggest improvements to the built environment around schools to address this serious concern.
The study reveals that riders who deliberately crash or cause dangerous situations when riding are a significant concern. The researchers also found that one-handed steering and group riding increase the risk of crashing by six times and almost triples it respectively.
University of Missouri researchers developed a method using lidar and AI to analyze pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle interactions at traffic signals. The approach aims to enhance driver awareness, reduce accidents, and improve mobility.
New research from the University of Kansas found that completing a greenhouse gas emission inventory indeed moves the needle toward mitigation, with cities reducing their CO2 emissions by about 22 fewer pounds per capita. The addition of sustainability staff did not show a statistically significant reduction.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that electric vehicles generally produce less non-exhaust emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles when driving in city conditions. The research also highlights the environmental benefits of regenerative braking, which reduces brake abrasion emissions.
Two EU-funded projects presented digital, robotic, and other technologies for improved road monitoring and maintenance, emphasizing the need for automation, data-driven solutions, and sustainability. High-level participants highlighted the importance of collaboration and regulation in paving the way for smarter infrastructure management.
A new study by the University of Illinois links traffic delays with increased visits to fast food restaurants, resulting in unhealthier eating habits. The research found that even short delays can lead to a spike in fast food visits, especially during evening rush hour.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers has developed a model that can help municipalities choose optimal locations for bike lanes, minimizing congestion and increasing cycling ridership. The model uses traffic and commuter mobility data to predict the impact of bike lane expansion on driving travel time and emissions.
The researchers developed a novel camera-based system that adapts to traffic flow in real-time, ensuring efficient monitoring and resource use. The system's two approaches, the Random-Value-Camera-Level Algorithm and the ALL-Random-With-Weight Algorithm, optimize camera usage and save energy while maintaining reliable surveillance.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has granted funding to develop educational programs for Native American youth, addressing increased risk of dangerous driving behaviors. Online courses are also being adapted to improve older driver safety, focusing on impaired driving and distracted driving prevention.
A new monitoring system uses 'virtual sensing' to accurately estimate CO₂ and NOx emissions based on driving behavior. The system provides personalized environmental impact assessments, empowering drivers to manage their emissions.
Researchers at Lehigh University are using advanced algorithms and cross-domain data to help cities predict human movement patterns, enabling better planning and preparedness for events and emergencies. The model will account for variations in data streams from different sources, such as cell towers, GPS, and financial transactions.
A Cornell University research team found that strategically placing a mix of medium-speed and fast-charging stations in urban areas increases driver usage and improves investor profitability by 50-100%. The team used Bayesian optimization to analyze data from Atlanta, taking into account factors like traffic and road characteristics.
A UBC study analyzing pedestrian interactions with vehicles on busy streets found that distracted pedestrians face higher safety risks compared to undistracted road users. Distracted pedestrians remained unaware of their surroundings, making fewer adjustments to their path or speed.
Cities with high-performing streetcar systems prioritize transporting people to desired locations, while those that focus on economic development often experience poor performance. The study highlights the importance of focusing on passenger attraction and coordinated fare policies for successful streetcar systems.
Researchers analyzed 160,000 court decisions in Russia, finding men 3.25 times more likely to be involved in accidents that lead to criminal cases. Men drive faster, more aggressively, and are more likely to drive under the influence, contributing to a significant gap in road safety.
This special issue of Criminology & Public Policy explores pressing topics in policing, including evidence-based practices and research-informed policy. The articles featured in the issue aim to guide police reform efforts and improve public safety.
A new study quantifies air pollution for NYC subway commuters, revealing disparities in exposure across racial and income groups. The research found that people from lower-income working communities have higher exposures and Black and Hispanic workers experience on average 35% and 23% higher PM2.5 exposure, respectively.
Eötvös Loránd University researchers develop first large-scale autonomous drone traffic solution, combining route planning and bio-inspired flocking models to avoid conflicts and manage remaining issues. The system can handle up to 5000 drones in two dimensions with varying speeds and priorities.
Researchers study droughts, wildfires, and precipitation changes across the US Southeast and globally. The Great Salt Lake's drying exacerbates regional droughts, while a Maui wildfire is linked to atmospheric patterns.
A new study led by Cornell University expert Wenfei Xu found significant racial bias in traffic stops by Chicago police, with Black drivers being stopped at a higher rate than white drivers. The study used GPS data and analyzed over 650,000 traffic stops to confirm the bias.
Researchers analyzed hydrogen vehicle risks in tunnels and found extensive damage potential, but low occurrence likelihood. The team recommended stricter speed limits, precise distance controls, and safer tunnel designs to minimize hazards.
The study found that NYC's Vision Zero policy reduced serious injuries and hospitalizations among Medicaid enrollees, saving $90.8 million in Medicaid expenditures. The policy also led to a decline in traffic-related Medicaid injuries, particularly among low-income Black Americans.
A mathematical model developed by Alexandre Solon and Eric Bertin describes the movement of particles in situations similar to cars on a road or bacteria attracted to a nutrient source. The model identifies conditions that favor traffic jams, including high vehicle density and driver inertia.
The algorithm facilitates dynamic trajectory planning for connected automated vehicles, improving transportation efficiency. It also reduces average delays and fuel consumption as CAV penetration increases.
Alyssa Ryan's research aims to identify populations most at risk for crash injuries, including factors like location, race, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Her study combines layered national and state demographic data with injury and fatality data from Emergency Medical Services.
A new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.
Researchers from USP produced maps showing areas of highest air pollution concentration and peak emissions periods; bus drivers have higher exposure levels than car or subway users. The study also found that green spaces have the best air quality, while high-rise buildings negatively affect dispersion.
A team of researchers developed an AI-powered computer vision model to detect Brazilian wild animals on roads and warn drivers in real-time. The system uses roadside cameras and portable computers to identify species such as anteaters, wolves, and tapirs, with the potential to save lives and reduce roadkill.
A new study found that remote work could reduce carbon emissions from car travel by nearly 200 million tons annually, but also lead to a 27% drop in public transit fare revenue. This shift may impact urban mobility and require transit agencies to adapt their services.