Articles tagged with Roads
Research shows glacial lakes in Alaska expanding 50% faster than previously recorded, posing significant hazards and altering ecosystems. The study identifies areas where lakes may form and grow, helping with infrastructure planning and predicting changes to ecosystems, hazards, and recreation.
Research by University of Missouri scientists found that road salt is deadly to freshwater snails when paired with the presence of predators, causing nearly 60% higher mortality rates. The study suggests practical solutions to reduce salt pollution in waterways, such as cutting road salt use by up to 50%.
A new model maps foot traffic in New York City, providing insights into pedestrian activity and hazard locations. The study reveals high densities of foot traffic outside Manhattan, with many streets having similar foot-traffic levels to Manhattan's busiest areas.
A Simon Fraser University study reveals Canada's cycling infrastructure expanded by 3,596 km between 2022 and 2024. However, areas with more children and older adults saw less growth in cycling infrastructure, highlighting the need for more inclusive transportation planning.
A new study reveals that everyday conversations can delay essential eye-movement responses, affecting the fast visual assessments required for safe driving. The research found that talking imposes cognitive load strong enough to interfere with the neural processes that initiate and guide eye movements.
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 breakthrough AI system called OmniPredict can predict human pedestrian behaviors with unprecedented accuracy, revolutionizing self-driving cars and urban mobility. The model combines visual cues with contextual information to anticipate pedestrians' next moves, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic safety.
Lowering residential speed limits to 30kph significantly boosts bicycle riding safety without affecting car trip times, according to a study. The reduction in traffic stress leads to more people choosing bikes as a safe mode of transport.
The startup has assessed over 3,400 miles of Indiana roads using advanced computer vision algorithms to quickly and objectively assess pavement conditions. This platform provides actionable insights without requiring in-house data analysis expertise or costly hardware.
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.
Elizabeth Roberto's research uses satellite imagery, historical archives, and AI to map how infrastructure decisions reinforce racial and economic divides. Her study spans 50 US cities and introduces new ways to measure spatial features of neighborhoods affecting access to schools and public resources.
A recent study published in the Journal of Safety Research found that rented e-bikes have an eight times higher crash risk than rented e-scooters, calculated based on trip distance. The researchers used GPS data to compare micromobility in seven European cities and found a surprising result.
Researchers from Edith Cowan University have developed a method to incorporate waste plastics into pavement material, offering a dual benefit of improving road strength and reducing plastic pollution. The study highlights the potential for repurposing household plastics to create more sustainable and resilient roads.
A new study found that teen drivers spend an average of 21.1% of each trip viewing their mobile behind the wheel, with entertainment being the most common distraction. The study also revealed that many young drivers believe they can withstand the pressure to drive distracted and perceive a social norm of the behavior.
New research reveals complex challenges Aboriginal people face when seeking support after a road traffic injury, including lack of awareness and culturally insensitive systems. The study calls for a national overhaul of compensation and return-to-work programs centered on Indigenous knowledge and cultural determinants of health.
Aston University researchers are investigating the use of AI in creating greener cities, exploring policy tools to reduce emissions and optimize transportation. The project aims to develop decision-support tools for policymakers to improve urban infrastructure management and reduce environmental hazards.
Researchers at UCF used a combination of emerging technologies to evaluate the safety of concrete bridges. By combining infrared thermography, high-definition imaging and neural network analysis, they can quickly identify defects and prioritize repairs.
A study by researchers at Incheon National University found that pedestrian and roadside facilities have a substantial direct effect on crash outcomes, particularly for run-off crashes. The team suggests prioritizing these modifiable operational features in road safety strategies to improve safety.
A new analysis of existing studies found that pedestrians and cyclists hit by SUVs or light trucks are more likely to suffer fatal injuries. The likelihood is higher among children, with a child hit by an SUV/LTV being 82% more likely to be killed than a child hit by a passenger car.
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.
A UK study found that GPS navigation assistance is associated with increased driving mobility in older adults, particularly those with poor spatial abilities. The study suggests that integrating navigational assistance into strategies can help maintain driving independence.
A new study published in PLOS Digital Health found that older drivers with GPS navigation systems tend to drive more frequently, suggesting these tools help maintain driving mobility. The research reveals that using GPS can alleviate spatial orientation difficulties and support older adults' independence on the roads.
The University of Texas at Arlington has contributed 23 patents to UT System's total of 234, increasing by 15% over 2023. This recognition showcases the university's role in translating research into daily innovations.
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.
A University of Bristol-led study suggests electric scooter schemes reduce bicycle collisions by around 20% in the UK. The research found that even after COVID-19 restrictions lifted, e-scooter scheme areas saw a significant decrease in serious and fatal bicycle collisions.
Researchers at PSU used ODOT's push-button data to estimate pedestrian counts, develop a workflow for integrating traffic counts into the enterprise system, and explore applications in pedestrian infrastructure planning. The new dashboard allows agencies to analyze usage patterns and prioritize upgrades at high-demand locations.
A Japanese study found that CGM devices with low-glucose alerts reduced hypoglycemic incidents and increased confidence among diabetic drivers. The findings suggest that such systems can make driving safer for people with diabetes.
A new study forecasts Australia's road traffic fatalities to rise to 998 by 2030 and 715 by 2050, with older drivers and male motorcyclists at the greatest risk
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.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology found that cobalt-free studded tires can grip ice and packed snow without causing significant damage to road surfaces. The alternative stud material reduces airborne particles by 20 percent, a potential improvement for driver health.
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 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.
A new study finds that battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) have improved significantly in reliability over the years, matching the lifespans of traditional cars and vans with internal combustion engines. BEVs now have an average lifespan of 18.4 years and can travel up to 124,000 miles.
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that stormwater detention basins in Northern Virginia face significant salt stress due to road salts. Native plant species, such as cattails, showed promise in tolerating high salt concentrations, but their impact on overall salt removal was limited.
A team of researchers from UniTrento examined how ants manage traffic congestion using pheromone trails and observed individual ant movements. Their findings could provide a model for optimizing autonomous vehicle traffic flow, reducing congestion and emissions.
Researchers at UC3M are conducting a pioneering study on how morphological differences between men and women affect road safety systems, specifically seat belts. The study aims to improve protection for vehicle occupants regardless of gender, as anatomical and behavioural differences may lead to increased risk of injury.
A national study found that walkable neighborhoods increase walking by 23% due to factors like density of people, roads, and amenities. Living in a walkable area also reduces the chance of no transit use, while vigorous exercise is not necessarily linked to neighborhood walkability.
Research shows that remote drivers' reaction time is significantly slowed by distractions and disengagement, increasing response latency and impairing decision-making. This poses serious safety concerns for Level 4 automated vehicles, which rely on remote drivers to make critical decisions.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute received nearly $1 million in grants to develop and enhance tractor-trailer educational programs. The programs focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and safer driving outreach, aiming to save lives by educating drivers on the benefits of these technologies.
Next-generation passive radiative cooling technology offers an electricity- and refrigerant-free cooling solution, potentially reducing surface temperature by at least 2°C. The innovation has promising application potential in buildings, roads, and clothing, addressing issues such as urban heat islands and greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in Heliyon analyzed the characteristics of drivers and passengers involved in traffic accidents in Spain between 2014 and 2020. The results show that the risk of death or serious injury among passengers is lower when the driver is female, but higher for female occupants. This could be attributed to biological and ...
Researchers from University of Utah introduced Simulating Travel Rates in Diverse Environments (STRIDE) model to predict walking travel times with unprecedented accuracy. The model considers slope steepness, vegetation density, and ground surface roughness for efficient routes.
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.
Rice engineers developed an automated data fusion framework called OpenSafe Fusion to sense quickly evolving road conditions during urban flooding events. The framework leverages existing individual reporting mechanisms and public data sources, predicting whether a road is flooded or not.
A Washington State University study reveals that automatic delivery robots with low carbon emissions can encourage consumers to use them when ordering food. Participants who were more environmentally aware and had less perceived risk of late or spoiled food were more likely to choose the robots.
Researchers estimate that installing solar panels on highways could generate 17,578 terawatt-hours of electricity per year, equivalent to more than 60% of the world's total energy consumption. This could reduce carbon emissions by up to 28% and improve road safety through shielding cars from inclement weather.
A collaborative effort between The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and Reaching our Sisters Everywhere identified key components of a successful breastfeeding journey as defined by parents and families. The findings aim to inform research priorities and promote patient-centered outcomes in infant and young-child feeding.
A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that trust in autonomous vehicles' reliability and performance plays a crucial role in improving perceptions of the technology's risk. Knowledge alone is insufficient to sway people's attitudes toward complex technology like autonomous vehicles.
A study at George Mason University aims to advance the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan by identifying road segments impeding movement of priority species in Virginia. The researchers created models estimating habitat suitability and important movement areas for select species, receiving $243,105 in funding.
A new partnership has developed a functional safety sensing platform based on 3D ultrasound, providing an additional layer of safety and reliability for autonomous vehicles. The technology complements existing systems and enables vehicles to detect their surroundings in real-time, even in extreme conditions.
A study found that people in affluent areas in New Zealand were contributing more than their fair share of greenhouse gas emissions from transport. They drove further and owned more cars, leading to higher emissions per week.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method of monitoring infrastructure using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing systems. This technology allows for early detection of issues, reducing the need for time-consuming repairs.
This study investigates the impact of Zeolitic tuffs on the dynamic creep and tensile performance of Superpave asphalt mixtures. The results show that incorporating Zeolitic tuffs improves the mixtures' resistance to rutting and fatigue, with enhanced performance at 25% and 50% filler concentrations.
Researchers have analyzed over a thousand images of snow to study its optical properties. The findings show promise in improving avalanche safety and autonomous car technology, but more data is needed.
Researchers created a simulation model to analyze the impact of coastal management activities on barrier islands' vulnerability to sea-level rise. The model shows that natural processes can create and maintain barriers, but human efforts to protect communities can disrupt these processes.
A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that wind farms only use a small fraction of the land they are built on. The research also showed that wind turbines sited near existing roads can produce energy seven times more efficiently than those developed from scratch.
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.
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 by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that one-third of ride-share drivers have been involved in a crash while working. The survey revealed that drivers are uniquely susceptible to crashes caused by cellphone use, tiredness, and driving on unfamiliar roads.