Articles tagged with Automobile Traffic
Researchers found that birds in constant traffic noise had lower levels of corticosterone in their blood compared to quiet environments. This suppression may protect against negative effects of chronic stress on the immune system. Chicks from noisy parents were also smaller but caught up after leaving the nest.
A new study from the University of Illinois introduces a tool that helps quantify the connection between traffic accidents and city road networks. Researchers found that commuters willing to take longer trips can reduce accidents by up to 18%.
A new study finds crowdsourced traffic data from Waze is highly correlated with conventional reporting data, allowing for earlier notification of trauma surgeons and improved patient care. This could lead to a significant reduction in mortality rates from motor vehicle crashes.
A new study by Gregory Erhardt and colleagues found that popular ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft increased traffic congestion in San Francisco by 62% between 2010-2016. The analysis also revealed that average speeds decreased by 13%, leading to less reliable travel times.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health estimates that traffic-related air pollution is associated with 170 new cases of traffic pollution-related asthma per 100,000 children every year. Globally, 13% of childhood asthma cases diagnosed each year are linked to traffic pollution.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that adjusting traffic light timing in response to weather conditions can significantly reduce intersection delays. By analyzing video data and running computer simulations, they determined that weather-responsive signal plans could ease congestion and improve safety during snowstorms.
A Purdue University-developed drone technology can map a scene in five to eight minutes, allowing public safety officers to open roads much quicker after an accident. This reduces secondary crashes by 60% and exposure of colleagues to highway traffic hazards.
New research finds that Halloween is linked to higher rates of pedestrian traffic fatalities, particularly among young children. The study, which analyzed data from 1975-2016, revealed an average of four additional pedestrian deaths per year during Halloween, with the greatest risk among children aged 4-8.
A new study by Oxford University Press USA found that people who have slept for fewer than seven hours are more likely to be involved in and responsible for car crashes. The risk is particularly high for drivers who have slept less than four hours, with a 15.1 times higher odds of being involved in a crash
Studies have found that roadside dust contains traffic-related abrasion particles, including tire wear and brake pad debris, which can pose health risks to humans and wildlife. Researchers are warning that climate change may exacerbate this problem, leading to increased pollution and potential harm to ecosystems.
A new study from University of Chicago researchers finds that 'traffic jams' in the jet stream can cause abnormal weather patterns, such as blocking events. The research develops a mechanistic model to predict long-term weather patterns, including droughts and floods, by comparing the jet stream to highway traffic.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers found that April 20 was associated with a 12% increase in the risk of a fatal traffic crash. The overall increase amounted to 142 additional deaths over a 25-year study period.
Researchers developed a deep learning tool to automatically analyze road behavior and create searchable databases. The system accurately labeled and tracked objects in traffic videos, identifying potential close encounters between vehicles and pedestrians.
A new study by MIT economists reveals that eliminating High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) policies in Jakarta, Indonesia, led to a significant increase in urban traffic congestion. The study found that travel delays became 46% worse during the morning rush hour and 87% worse during the evening rush hour after the policy was discontinued.
A study by Dr. Mihkel Pindus et al found exposure to traffic-related particulate matter (PM) was associated with cardiac diseases in Tartu, Estonia, whereas PM from residential heating had no link. The results confirm the health effects of low-level PM and highlight differences in associations depending on the PM source.
The American Geriatrics Society and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a public information campaign to help older adults and caregivers access resources for safely navigating the open road. The campaign provides actionable safe driving tips, conversation advice, and transportation alternatives to promote mobility ...
A study by researchers at the Heart Failure Center of the University of São Paulo suggests that wearing a respirator mask can lessen the impact of vehicle emissions on people with heart failure. The results also indicate that this type of mask can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease for healthy individuals.
Researchers are developing a network of advanced sensors to detect particulate matter and pollen in metropolitan areas, providing real-time data for improved public health. The project aims to create an open-access platform for mapping pollution levels and supporting remediation efforts.
The American Geriatrics Society and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have released a new guide to assessing and counseling older drivers. The guide provides healthcare professionals with practical, person-centered advice on safely navigating the road for older adults, who account for 10% of all traffic fatalities annually.
Researchers from the University of Leicester found that trees increase turbulence and reduce road traffic emissions by 7%, improving air quality for pedestrians. This study highlights the importance of urban planning decisions incorporating trees to benefit both public health and environment.
A recent study by University of Toronto engineers found that air pollution from vehicle tailpipes can spread farther than thought, with varying levels across cities. One in three Canadians lives within 250 meters of a major roadway, where exposure to pollutants can be up to ten times higher.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that smarter programming of stoplights can reduce delays, improve efficiency, and lower emissions in urban areas. By combining vehicle-level data with city-level traffic patterns, the algorithm produces more accurate predictions and recommendations for optimizing traffic flow.
A new study suggests using a Long Distance Commuter lane (LDC) on the M1 Motorway in Australia could accommodate up to 3000 vehicles per hour while minimizing bottlenecks. The LDC concept has potential for commuter travel between other cities in Australia and worldwide.
A study led by the University of Colorado Denver found that cities using bike-to-work days can capture a wide range of bicyclists and gather insights into barriers to increasing their commuting. The study suggests that cities should use these events to understand participants' motivations and identify obstacles, such as safety concerns...
The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Transportation Research is using advanced models to understand and visualize alternative solutions for traffic issues. A collaboration with the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) has enabled faster simulations, allowing researchers to better analyze spatial data and gain clarity into t...
The UT Arlington Public Works Institute is training city and county workers on working in traffic safety zones with a $486,234 Texas Department of Transportation contract. The institute will also provide courses on workplace safety.
A study published in the RAND Journal of Economics found that price discrimination by ISPs can lead to increased web congestion, as consumers adjust their behavior to take advantage of faster services. The researchers argue that relaxing net neutrality rules would ultimately benefit ISPs at the expense of consumers.
The TREDS program trains doctors and law enforcement officers to assess older drivers' abilities and identify warning signs of impaired driving. Researchers aim to prolong seniors' safe driving time by educating people about aging effects on driving skills.
Researchers used taxi GPS data to analyze NYC traffic patterns and study the city's response to Hurricane Sandy. They found that re-entry processes following disasters cause significant delays, highlighting the need for post-disaster transportation management.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have created a global map of regulatory control systems in cellular transport routes. The study reveals that sets of transport routes are co-regulated by specific programs of regulatory control, with genes involved in these processes often deregulated in disease.
A Northwestern University study reveals a 20% decrease in ozone levels when fuel prices drive residents to switch from ethanol to gasoline in flexible-fuel vehicles. The study uses big data and consumer surveys to analyze the impact of human behavior on air quality in São Paulo.
A study found that death certificates often fail to list alcohol as a cause of death in traffic crashes, with injuries being the leading cause of death for Americans younger than 45. Researchers need reliable data to study the effects of policies aimed at reducing alcohol-related deaths.
The 'tactile internet' aims to drive innovation in areas like medicine, transportation, and energy efficiency through the development of 5G networks. The initiative seeks to improve safety and security in public spaces and enhance mobility for people with disabilities.
New research estimates that 14% of chronic childhood asthma is caused by exposure to traffic pollution near busy roads. The findings are comparable to the burden associated with passive smoking, highlighting the importance of clean air for all.
Researchers analyzed data from 1996 to 2008 and found obese drivers were 21-80% more likely to die in collisions than normal-weight peers, with women facing even greater risks. The study suggests car design may need to change to better protect obese occupants.
Researchers used mathematical algorithms to determine that drivers should pay more attention during the shortest lifetime of spatio-temporal correlations of traffic intensity, found to be between 6pm and 8pm. This period experiences high 'stop and go' phenomena, requiring constant driver attention.
A $232,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety will allow UCI to expand a DUI awareness program to four more campuses. The program encourages students to assign designated drivers through incentives and partnerships.
A new study found that alcohol-related fatal motor vehicle crashes in the US were lower among Canadian drivers than drivers with US or Mexican licenses. The prevalence of alcohol involvement was 27% for US and Mexican drivers, while 11% for Canadian drivers.
A study found that traffic fatalities rise near winning teams' hometowns on game days. The closer the game, the more fatalities, particularly those involving alcohol. Losing teams' hometowns showed no increase.
People with knee osteoarthritis are more likely to walk fast enough if they lead physically active lives, according to new research. The study found that even a small increase in activity is related to better walking function.
Fatal car crashes among young female drivers in the US have seen a rise in alcohol-related incidents, with rates among young men declining over the study period. Notably, young women's rates were lower but showed less predictable patterns, including an increase in positive blood tests at certain ages and times of the week.
David Carey, a quadriplegic, received the RWJF Community Health Leaders Award for his advocacy work and establishment of Inspire Co-op, which helps people with disabilities lead independent lives. He also successfully worked with the city of Tempe to ensure safe public transportation options for persons with physical disabilities.
Research from the University of Leeds shows that air pollution levels change dramatically within small geographical areas dependent on wind patterns and street layout. Pedestrians can significantly reduce their exposure to traffic pollution by crossing one street away from main roads.
Introducing congestion pricing at airports could reduce airport congestion and delays, saving airlines money. However, some airports with monopoly airlines may not benefit from this approach, and passengers may need to adjust their plans to arrive earlier.
A study in Mexico City found that asthmatic children are more likely to experience worsening respiratory symptoms when living near high-traffic areas. The study, led by Dr Isabelle Romieu, suggests that diesel particles have a significant impact on respiratory health.
Research reveals that as cycling participation increases, so do safety levels for both cyclists and motorists. Studies show a one-third drop in crash frequency with increasing cyclist numbers. Experts attribute this effect to changed driver behavior, not improved infrastructure or laws.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute aim to alleviate daytime traffic congestion by shifting truck deliveries to off-hours, reducing emissions and increasing business competitiveness. The project will use technology and economic incentives to persuade businesses to participate in the program.
The software uses detailed traffic census data and real-time surveillance to create realistic simulations, taking into account various factors such as driver behavior and air-plume dispersion. It also has post-disaster applications, including evaluating recovery decisions and modeling value pricing on toll roads.
A four-year study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that living near 'stop and go' traffic increases infant wheezing rates, with African American infants at highest risk. The study suggests that exposure to diesel exhaust particles from 'stop and go' traffic may play a role in developing allergic conditions.
The Southeast's rural two-lane highways are the deadliest roads in the nation, according to a recent Georgia Institute of Technology study. The most frequent crashes occurred on these highways, especially in wooded areas where drivers ran off the road and hit trees.
Researchers found that marked crosswalks increase the risk of injury for older adults, who face a 3.6 times greater risk when crossing at intersections without traffic signals or stop signs. The study suggests that older pedestrians should avoid relying on marked crosswalks and instead use signals or signs to identify safe crossing areas.
Recent trends in motorcycle fatalities show older riders are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, often on rural roads. Over half of all motorcycle fatalities involve collisions with other vehicles.
Researchers aim to optimize internet traffic flow by allocating available capacity fairly among competing packets of information. A new algorithm developed could be applied to various networks, including telephone systems and power grids.
A new study led by Dr. Don Redelmeier found that people overestimate the speed of vehicles in the next lane, leading to unnecessary lane changes. Staying in one's lane is safer and achieves similar travel times as more aggressive driving.
A new University of Washington cable television channel, Traffic TV, will broadcast real-time rush-hour traffic updates starting June 1. The service provides live video footage of traffic choke points and estimated travel speeds along area highways.