Articles tagged with Roads
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is expanding its Sharing the Road program to educate high school students on safe driving practices around commercial vehicles. Through the program, researchers will visit 15 mid-Atlantic high schools and provide hands-on experience for thousands of teen drivers.
A new study warns London cyclists of high black carbon levels on main routes during evening commutes, recommending alternative routes with green infrastructure. The research found that cyclists exposed to the dirtiest air suffered twice as much pollution as those taking a cleaner route.
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 new study measures the effectiveness of underground passageways that let fauna cross highways safely, finding higher road mortality at fence ends. Fencing and underpasses can reduce roadkill numbers by discouraging animals from crossing busy lanes.
New polymer additives have been found to increase the storage stability of asphalt rubber, making it more suitable for producing rubber asphalt. This material has shown cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits in U.S. states that currently use ground tire rubber as a component of asphalt mixes.
A new virtual tool uses sensor data to predict unsafe passing events, allowing urban planners to optimize bike lane placement and improve cycling safety. The research, conducted by the University of Waterloo, found that bike lanes can virtually eliminate close calls between cyclists and motorists.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed smartphone-based technologies that can monitor civil infrastructure systems such as crumbling roads and aging bridges. By using various sensors on smartphones, they can determine the specific makeup and deterioration of a road's surface in real-time.
Researchers warn that China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) threatens native species and biodiversity due to high-risk introduction hotspots along proposed Economic Corridors. The team recommends early prevention, strict surveillance, rapid response, and effective control measures to mitigate the risk of biological invasions.
A study found that roadsides with only hedges were the most effective at reducing pollution exposure, cutting black carbon and ultrafine particles. The researchers suggest planting denser hedges or a combination of trees with hedges in open-road environments to improve air quality.
A recent study by an international team of researchers found that soot from road traffic in emerging countries can reach high altitudes and contribute to global warming. The reduction of pollutants from diesel cars has a positive impact on both human health and climate protection.
A Scottish study found that changing the legal drink-driving limit did not reduce road traffic accidents despite substantial initial public awareness campaigns. The researchers suggest inadequate enforcement and publicity as possible reasons for the lack of impact.
A commentary published in The Lancet Public Health highlights the need for governments to commit to reducing traffic deaths and invest in road safety. According to Dr. Adnan Hyder, more than a million people die from traffic crashes worldwide each year, with no decline in death toll since 2009.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a system to manipulate electrons based on their energy and momentum, enabling controlled partitioning of electron flow. This technology could potentially be used to create 'color-coded' roads for electrons, revolutionizing the field of electronics.
A study found that beet juice deicer causes fluid retention and alters organ function in mayflies, despite being considered a natural alternative to road salt. The researchers suggest that more research is needed to determine the combination of factors causing problems.
A new study by Chalmers University of Technology reveals that studded winter tires have a significant negative impact on public health, costing between 60 and 770 life-years. The study also found that the use of studded tires contributes to accidents and fatalities in cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cardiff University researchers calculate a novel system for scoring an area's safety, successfully predicting road casualties. The system uses factors like crossings, street type, and speed limits, with Liverpool deemed the most unsafe and Bath the safest.
Researchers discovered a universal phenomenon where all brains are composed of the same wide spectrum of strong and weak links. Dendritic learning enables fast information flow through strong entry points, explaining the stable distribution of link strengths across all brains.
The study provides a framework to analyze and improve urban design in growing cities, connecting disconnected areas with minimal infrastructure costs. Researchers used topology and spatial analysis to identify opportunities for reblocking, transforming informal settlements into more livable spaces.
The new journal tracks China's dominance and rise, analyzing historical, cultural, social, economic, and political impact of initiatives like AIIB and BRI. Global experts provide unique insight on the transformative effects on global mindsets.
Researchers tracked drivers' eye movements at busy Toronto intersections and found that more than half failed to scan for pedestrians or cyclists during right turns. The study highlights the need for road infrastructure changes, such as consistent bike lane implementation, to improve traffic safety.
Researchers suggest a system that charges drivers based on traffic volume, improving flow and reducing pollution. The proposed dynamic fee aims to make roads more efficient and equitable for all users.
A UBC study analyzed pedestrian behavior at a busy intersection in Kamloops, B.C., finding that over a third of pedestrians were distracted by their cellphones. Distracted pedestrians had slower walking speeds, more unstable gait patterns, and took longer to cross the road, increasing the risk of conflicts with vehicles.
The study reveals that MOTs prevent 133 deaths, nearly 12,000 injuries, and at least 17,700 traffic accidents a year. Additionally, MOTs reduce exposure to atmospheric pollutants, resulting in around 406 premature deaths prevented every year.
A new study found that over 2.2 million children aged 5-17 were treated for bicycle-related injuries in US emergency departments between 2006 and 2015. Helmet use was associated with lower head and neck injury rates, but laws enforcement varies by state.
Research found that oil and gas wastewater used as a dust suppressant on unpaved roads contains harmful pollutants, including salt, radioactivity, and toxic metals. These substances can be detrimental to human health and aquatic life, potentially contaminating nearby bodies of water.
Researchers at MIT have developed a fleet of autonomous boats that can ferry goods and people, reducing street traffic. The boats can also be printed using 3D technology and equipped with sensors to monitor water quality, providing insights into urban health.
The Belt and Road Initiative's economic development corridors coincide with high environmental value areas, posing significant impacts on biodiversity. China can replicate its domestic environmental practices in the BRI to achieve a balance between economic development and sustainability.
A global expert says China's massive infrastructure project will impact over 1,700 critical biodiversity areas and hundreds of threatened species. The researcher urges China to change its business model and prioritize sustainability.
Scientists project significant climate changes in Western China and central Asia along the Millennium Silk Road by 2020 and 2030 under different warming scenarios. A half-degree reduction in global warming can avoid severe impacts on precipitation and extreme heat events.
Researchers at the University of Michigan demonstrated the effectiveness of connected cruise control, which uses vehicle-to-vehicle communication to adjust speed and improve safety. The technology reduced braking force by 60% and saved energy by up to 19% compared to human-driven vehicles.
Researchers at MIT CSAIL have developed a new framework called MapLite that allows self-driving cars to navigate on unpaved country roads without detailed maps. The system combines GPS data with sensors to detect road conditions and drive autonomously, with promising results in testing.
A study reveals that cyclist accidents are increasing due to inadequate infrastructures and risk behavior from drivers and cyclists. The research found that 47.2% of serious injuries occur on conventional urban roads, highlighting the need for improved road safety education and infrastructure design.
Research highlights the dominance of car travel in school commutes, which contributes to childhood obesity, air pollution, and decreased independent mobility. Governments are advised to invest in active travel infrastructure, such as cycling and walking routes, to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable transport.
A QUT-led study found that lane widths and speed limits significantly influence the distance drivers leave when passing, not cyclist characteristics. The study's key finding is that cycling would be safer with improved road infrastructure, such as more cycling lanes and stronger enforcement of the law.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have found a dramatic increase in flooding on coastal roads along the East Coast, with 90 percent more frequent high tide floods occurring over the past 20 years. The study estimates that tidal nuisance flooding will cause over 3.4 billion hours of delays by 2100.
A new model predicts landslide locations and runouts in near real-time, helping first responders plan reconnaissance flights and evacuate affected areas. However, the approach overpredicts landslides, limiting its use for exact location determination.
A study by the University of Jyväskylä found that Finnish drivers use their smartphones extensively while driving, with WhatsApp being the most heavily used app. Heavier users even increase their phone use in dense traffic, highlighting a lack of moderation among some drivers.
Researchers created asset management framework to streamline maintenance and reduce costs by 33% in Kelowna, B.C. Improved coordination between city departments can lead to better budget allocation and enhanced service delivery.
Researchers found that multiple motor proteins work together to deliver cargo, similar to ants carrying a large item. In mutant worms, fewer carriers were observed, weakening cargo transport and causing mis-location of synapses.
Researchers found that mammals move up to 2-3 times less in human-modified areas compared to natural habitats. This study, led by Penn State researcher Duane Diefenbach, analyzed movement data from 57 mammal species across the globe.
A global map of travel time to cities has been published by the European Commission Joint Research Centre, showing that over 80% of people live within one hour of a city. However, accessibility is not equally distributed across development spectrum, with lower-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa having limited access.
The Isiboro-Sécure National Park and Indigenous Territory (TIPNIS) in Bolivia has been subject to alarming levels of deforestation, with over 46,000 hectares lost since 2000. The planned road construction will likely exacerbate this issue, putting the region's biodiversity at risk.
A study by James Cook University scientists warns of serious hidden costs and risks associated with new roads in high-rainfall areas. The researchers urge limiting planned or built roads in these regions to prevent pot-holes, landslides, and environmental degradation.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that 50% of drivers tailgate, with most leaving less than a two-second gap between vehicles. The researchers identified confusion among drivers over what is deemed a safe following distance, which can lead to rear-end crashes.
A new study by QUT suggests that toll roads and tunnels can be made more cost-effective by putting a dollar value on the savings from traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution. The research found that governments should consider benefits beyond financial analysis when deciding on infrastructure investment.
Researchers found that older drivers modify their response criteria to identify hazards in high-traffic situations, leading to more false alarms. This adaptation allows them to compensate for age-related changes and potentially improve their driving abilities through training.
A team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University developed an automated car counting system that significantly outperformed existing methods, with an accuracy rate of over 96%. The system uses convolutional neural networks and image classification techniques to accurately count cars in various weather conditions.
A study in Jakarta found that ending a carpooling policy increased morning rush-hour travel times by 46%, while evening travel times surged by 87%. The research suggests the policy helped reduce overall cars on the road, but had negative effects on traffic flow.
A major UK study is assessing the effects of 20mph speed limits on road safety and traffic accident rates in two British cities. The project will measure casualties, cycling, and walking rates to determine if lower speed limits improve safety.
Researchers at UNH found that rising sea levels pose a new hazard to seacoast roads, even two miles from the shore, due to groundwater rise. The study identifies sections of NH roads as vulnerable to deterioration and closure without improvements.
A QUT study found that drivers can respond safely to emergency situations despite multiple road signs displayed at the same location. Drivers correctly chose their destination regardless of single or multiple signs, and reaction times were not significantly affected.
A Drexel University team developed a new concrete mix using fly ash, slag, and silica fume to resist chemical erosion from road salt. The research found that these supplementary cement materials can be substituted into the mix with better results when exposed to calcium chloride deicing salt.
A new study found that Scottish badger populations are more likely to thrive in areas with higher minimum winter temperatures and lower elevation. However, the predicted increase in human population in the Scottish Highlands may counteract these benefits, highlighting the need for context-dependent responses in conservation management.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new, automated technology to analyze the potential for rockfalls from cliffs onto roads and areas below. The system, called a 'rockfall activity index,' uses LIDAR technology to map large areas quickly and accurately assess risks.
Distracted drivers who slow down to avoid on-road conflicts may actually increase their own crash risk. Young drivers are particularly vulnerable due to the prevalence of mobile phone use in this age group. The study suggests context-aware mobile phone design, advanced technology, and warning systems as potential solutions.
A collaborative study published in PLoS ONE found that fences with or without crossing structures can reduce roadkill by up to 54% across all species. Focusing on effective prevention methods, researchers also recommend increasing the duration and comparability of future studies to protect biodiversity.
A new study proposes a risk-based approach for classifying road surface conditions under winter weather events, aiming to improve current road classification systems. The approach estimates driving risk using a collision model calibrated with detailed hourly data of weather, road conditions, traffic, and accidents.
A new study finds that cumulative hazards from nuisance flooding in US cities will cost more than extreme events like Hurricane Katrina or Superstorm Sandy over time. The research predicts that by 2050, cities like Miami and Seattle may experience up to 700 hours of nuisance flooding per year.
A Dartmouth-led study finds that roads trigger rapid evolutionary changes in wild populations, with some species adapting to pollutants and others becoming maladapted. This shift is transforming scientists' views of the biological impacts of roads on ecosystems.
A global study found that carnivores are more seriously threatened by roads than previously acknowledged. The research highlights the need to update the protection status of species such as the puma, American black bear, and brown bear, which are severely affected by road habitats cut through their habitat.