Articles tagged with Roads
A QUT study found that experienced drivers tend to speed up while using mobile phones, but those with little experience drive more slowly due to increased workload. Drivers who perceive mobile phones as unsafe also slow down.
Researchers at the University of Bristol propose a cost-effective solution for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to share high-quality data with drivers in emergency situations. The single frequency network (SFN) approach could improve road safety by providing reliable information, reducing transmission power by up to 20 times.
A new study reveals that roads now fragment land to an extent that only 7% of road-created patches are greater than 100 square kilometers. The research highlights the significant impact of roads on the environment, including deforestation and fragmentation, chemical pollution, noise disturbance, and increased wildlife mortality.
A new mapping system uses biodiversity, climate, transport and crop yields data to identify areas for road-building projects that balance food production with environmental protection. The approach aims to guide developers and conservationists towards more sustainable infrastructure planning.
Researchers developed a mapping system to identify areas where new roads can increase food production with minimal environmental cost. The study found potential for massive habitat conversion in some proposals, but also identified areas where new roads could substantially boost food production through improved transport links.
A Queensland University of Technology study found that hands-free mobile phone use has similar detrimental effects on driving performance as hand-held phone use. Drivers' reaction times were over 40% longer when using a phone, equating to a delayed response distance of about 11m.
A study in CMAJ found that closure of planned obstetric services in BC did not affect rates of adverse outcomes or serious adverse outcomes during labor and delivery. Higher-risk deliveries occurred at larger hospitals before closures took place, explaining the lack of impact on event rates.
A study by Indiana University forecasts that vehicle mileage tax would generate more revenue than indexing gas taxes to inflation or applying sales taxes. Fuel tax revenue will decline by up to 50.5% between 2015 and 2040 if not adjusted for inflation.
Researchers argue that lowering the speed limit would reduce fatalities and serious injuries for pedestrians and cyclists. A study found that a 10km/h difference can lead to significant safety gains, with slower speeds allowing for longer reaction times and greater braking distance.
A Queensland University of Technology road safety study found that bright light combined with caffeine improved driving performance and alertness in chronically sleep-deprived young drivers. The study also revealed that driver sleepiness accounted for 20% of all crashes in developed countries.
A Queensland University of Technology study reveals that parents play a significant role in shaping their children's behavior behind the wheel. Parents who actively encourage their young drivers to obey road rules are more effective at enforcing restrictions than traditional policing.
A team from Griffith University monitored 130 koala crossings using retrofitted eco-passages and pinpointed individual koalas with RFID tags, camera traps, and audio radio transmitters. The study provides comprehensive insights into koala behavior and movements.
Researchers discovered that calcium-silicate-hydrates dissolve at high-stress regions and re-precipitate at low-stress regions, leading to 'creep' deformation. This finding could help develop mechanistic models for predicting creep behavior and identifying cementation agents with reduced sensitivity.
Experts say psychology is key to understanding road safety and autonomous vehicle success. The event aims to reduce road trauma by sharing the latest in road safety research.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that India's official statistics significantly underreport pedestrian and motorcycle deaths, suggesting a much higher number than reported. The researchers recommend using police reports instead of government data for research and policy decisions.
Researchers will study household sites in Coba and Yaxuna ruins to understand social interactions between residents of two ancient cities linked by a massive roadway during the Late Classic period (600-900 A.D.). The project aims to determine how life changed for tens of thousands of people living along the causeway.
Researchers have developed low-cost temperature sensors to help local authorities make targeted gritting decisions. The sensors can detect significant temperature differences across a county, enabling localized decisions about when and where to apply salt, potentially saving £100 million per year.
Research by Gillian Murphy found that drivers who listen to traffic reports while driving are more distracted and perform poorly on tasks like obeying road signs. The study's results suggest that auditory distractions can be just as problematic as visual ones in reducing driver attention.
A study in China found that competitive driving is a widespread phenomenon linked to overcrowded roads and cultural influences. Drivers perceive chaotic traffic as a catalyst for competition, leading to aggressive behavior.
A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of Toronto has found that upgrading roads and joining them to the city grid can dramatically increase land and property prices, leading to improved financial security for poor households. This infrastructure project in the Mexican city of Acayucan resulted in a 7...
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a connected-vehicle technology that enables vehicles to communicate with each other and infrastructure in real-time. This technology has the potential to significantly change how traffic is managed and how drivers experience the road, aiming to reduce crashes and pollution.
The report identifies three key paths forward: improve existing systems, conserve fuel through driver habits, and transform the transportation system for longer-term benefits. Recommendations include improving fuel consumption, electrification, and transforming the system to lower carbon energy sources.
Researchers found that small faults can link together along a 'keystone' fault, triggering larger earthquakes. The El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake showed this pattern, with seven smaller faults activated by the breaking of a central stone-like fault.
Canada's high road fatalities during winters can be decreased by implementing stringent maintenance standards, government oversight, mandatory winter tires, seasonal speed limits, and public education about safe driving. Lowering complacency and exercising caution by drivers are also essential.
The University of Texas at Arlington's TxLTAP program provides technical assistance and workforce training in transportation, addressing rural areas with inadequate roads and expertise. The program offers free courses on roadway maintenance, heavy equipment operations, and employee development skills to local governments.
A QUT study reveals that rumble strips are effective in alerting sleepy drivers to pull over, reducing the risk of fatal crashes. The research found that drivers hit a rumble strip after 20 minutes of driving and that taking breaks and using countermeasures like napping or caffeine can increase driver alertness.
A recent study by Georgetown University researchers reveals that wheelchair users are approximately 36% more likely to die in road traffic collisions. The majority of fatal crashes occurred at intersections with poor pedestrian infrastructure, indicating the need for improved accessibility and safety measures.
Pedestrian wheelchair users in the US are more than a third likely to die in road traffic collisions. Men's risk is 5 times higher than women's, particularly among 50- to 64-year-olds. Inadequate pedestrian facilities and driver failure contribute to these risks.
A new study by Michigan State University sociologists found that Americans are more likely to accept a higher gas tax if the revenue is used for energy-efficient transportation, road and bridge repairs, or refunded to taxpayers. The survey of over 3,000 participants showed that an average increase of 51-53 cents per gallon could be acc...
Scientists have developed best practice principles for assessing the impact of new roads and railways on bats, highlighting the need for a more rigorous approach to protecting wildlife. Existing mitigation structures, such as underpasses and wire gantries, are often ineffective, while green overpasses and underpasses show promise.
QUT researchers warn that smart cars are vulnerable to cyber attacks without proper safeguards. The university's experts highlight the need for a secure system to protect connected vehicles from malicious hacking.
Researchers found a mix of criticism and sympathy for fatigued drivers on YouTube, with most videos portraying driver fatigue as dangerous. In-vehicle footage was the most popular type, but those trivializing sleepy driving received more views.
A Stanford-led study finds that pipeline replacement programs can significantly reduce natural gas leaks, with cities like Durham and Cincinnati showing a 90% decrease. This improvement is attributed to public-private partnerships, which have upgraded the city's infrastructure.
Researchers found that 'Bicycles May Use Full Lane' signs were more effective in clarifying the rules of the road for both drivers and cyclists. This new signage could lead to increased bike usage, reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, while improving public health and mobility for disadvantaged groups.
Researchers used virtual reality to test roadside animal detection systems and found that picture-based warning signs outperformed text-based ones. Drivers who received warnings reduced their speed and braking time in response to a simulated wild animal on the road.
Researchers at UTA are using geofoam blocks to bolster the earth beneath roads and bridges, slowing down settling of soft and compressible soils. This innovative solution aims to improve infrastructure safety and stability, particularly in areas with heavy truck traffic loads.
A new study assesses risks of extreme weather to North Texas roads and runways, predicting significant disruptions by 2100. The researchers found a high likelihood of transportation disruption and widespread damage during the spring season, with heat-related risks increasing during summer.
A team of researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington is exploring ways to use geothermal energy to make bridges and overpasses safer during winter weather. By pumping groundwater through a circulation pipe, they can warm the bridge deck to melt ice and snow, reducing treacherous road conditions.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that fence failures can negate the effectiveness of ecopassages in reducing reptile road mortality. Despite the use of ecopassages, turtle abundance on roads remained unchanged, and dead snakes and turtles increased after mitigation measures were implemented.
A new study of 3,000 teenage drivers found that interactive presentations can raise awareness of the dangers of distractions while driving. The research also highlights the importance of educating young drivers about the risks associated with cell phones and other distractions.
The study highlights nine issues that must be addressed to limit the environmental impacts of infrastructure projects. These include preserving wilderness areas, recognizing the consequences of paved roads, and considering indirect effects in cost-benefit analyses. The researchers emphasize the need for a new approach to protect vulner...
A new study highlights nine key issues to consider when addressing the environmental impacts of rapid infrastructure expansion, including keeping wilderness areas road-free and engaging with local communities. The authors emphasize that the threat to wild places is exacerbated by illegal development activities.
A new study analyzes the hydrocarbon sector and access roads in the Western Amazon, finding that 11 out of 17 major projects have access roads. The researchers recommend adopting the offshore inland development model to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. Additionally, there are 35 confirmed and/or suspected hydrocarbon discov...
Research reveals that half of US teen driver fatalities involve vehicles 11+ years old and lacking standard safety features. Parents are advised to prioritize safety over cost when purchasing a car for their teenager.
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 new study found that American states with higher levels of law enforcement efforts, such as traffic stops and DUI arrests, experienced lower rates of drinking and driving. The study examined data from the National Roadside Survey and found a significant association between these measures and impaired driving prevalence.
Researchers at Washington State University explore green alternatives to traditional salt, sand, and chemicals for snow and ice control. The focus is on reducing the environmental impact of these substances, which can contaminate groundwater and harm wildlife.
A CU Denver study reveals that upgrading bridges, roads and infrastructure can help mitigate flood damage. The researchers suggest using scour control methods and improving construction materials to increase resilience against future flooding.
A QUT study found that drivers underestimate speed limits at inactive roadwork sites, leading to high crash rates. The researchers suggest combining measures such as variable speed limit signs and police enforcement to improve safety.
A QUT road safety expert has found that car security systems are virtually non-existent, leaving vehicles vulnerable to hacking. The risk of cyber attack increases as vehicles become more connected and autonomous.
Fires in Western Australia have been burning for several days, consuming over 700,000 hectares of land. The complex of fires is out of control and unpredictable, with firefighters battling the blazes and protecting Cape Leveque Road.
Compromise solutions are needed when building roads through sensitive tropical and subtropical areas, say experts. The authors propose four measures to mitigate tensions between roads and protected areas, including early involvement of infrastructure engineers and natural resource managers.
The Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership's Unmanned Aircraft Systems test site program is fully operational and ready to conduct research on integrating unmanned aircraft into the nation's airspace. The partnership has been granted seven Certificates of Waiver or Authorization by the FAA, paving the way for the development of commercial u...
An evidence-based behavioral intervention appears to increase supervised practice for teen drivers, leading to improved safety outcomes. The study found that for every 11 teenagers who use the Teen Driving Plan (TDP), one additional teenager would be prevented from failing the tODA assessment.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University are developing tools to identify and counter cyber attacks on smart transportation systems, which could mitigate the impact of a potential 'Carmageddon' attack. The goal is to create algorithms that can automatically detect intrusions and take effective steps to counteract them.
A CU Denver study reveals that major roads built through lower-income neighborhoods often neglect public health issues, including air pollution and crime. The study's author emphasizes the importance of incorporating public health into transportation planning to minimize hazards and create healthier environments.
A recent review found that Iraq's health condition has deteriorated despite significant investment in the health system. Improvements in housing, water, and sanitation are crucial to elevate the health status of the Iraqi population.
A team of scientists has developed a model that uses open data and network science to evaluate the logistics of disaster relief. The proposed tool can quantify the reachability of critical loci within a geographic area and assess the effects of infrastructure destruction scenarios.
A Concordia University study found that snowplows are the main culprit in erasing roadway markings, which can lead to traffic accidents. To address this issue, researchers suggest using more expensive and durable epoxy paint, which could save lives in the long run.
A WSU researcher has developed a novel asphalt made from waste cooking oil, reducing costs by under $200 per ton. The bioasphalt is expected to be as durable as petroleum-based alternatives, with potential applications in construction of roads and highways nationwide.