Articles tagged with Roads
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.
A sensor has been developed to detect residual salt on road surfaces, allowing for preventive action to avoid excess salt application. This can reduce financial waste and minimize environmental impact by protecting vegetation and aquifers.
Novice teen drivers are more likely to engage in high-risk secondary tasks as they gain driving experience, increasing their risk of crashes. The study found that cell phone use, eating, and talking to passengers were the most distracting behaviors for new drivers.
A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that Malaysian drivers are less likely to identify situations as dangerous and react to them later than British drivers. The study suggests that hazard perception tests may need to be adapted for developing countries where road safety is a primary concern.
A growing body of evidence suggests a causal link between traffic-related air pollution and the development of asthma in children and adults. The authors highlight four strategies to mitigate its effects, including reducing vehicle emissions and modifying current infrastructure.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway's asphalt pavement recipe has potential to improve the smoothness, durability, and safety of roads for ordinary speeds. The surface's stiffness and ability to resist tire deflections also play a crucial role in determining fuel economy.
A new study found that living close to a major road is associated with a higher risk of death in people with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The study showed a significant decrease in mortality risk as distance from the road increased.
A new dispatch system could reduce trip lengths by two-thirds and get drivers back home more often, saving money on trucks needed to move freight. The system combines elements of point-to-point and relay networks to optimize load routing and minimize driver impact.
The simTD system uses radio technology to enable vehicles to share information about traffic situations, road conditions, and external factors. This allows drivers to react faster and make informed decisions, resulting in enhanced safety, efficiency, and comfort on the roads.
Researchers analyzed data from 100 instrumented vehicles and found that occasional seatbelt users are more likely to buckle up for trips on high-speed roads. The study suggests that perceived convenience plays a significant role in seatbelt use, with drivers opting out of wearing belts during local errands.
A new study using anonymous cellphone data reveals that canceling the trips of select drivers from carefully selected neighborhoods can reduce congestion significantly, with a potential 18% reduction in travel time for all other drivers.
Researchers analyzed cellphone and GPS data to identify areas contributing most to traffic bottlenecks. Canceling trips from these neighborhoods can reduce travel time for other drivers by up to 18%. This strategy shows promise for alleviating traffic tie-ups in urban areas, particularly in cities with complex commute patterns.
The report highlights poor road safety, traffic congestion, and air pollution in Africa, with urban populations expanding at unprecedented rates. It makes recommendations for sustainable transport policies based on five central principles to maximize accessibility and equity.
A multi-centre study in France found that patients transported by helicopter had a lower risk of death compared to those transported by road. The benefit was seen even after adjusting for severity of injury. Helicopter transport saves lives for the most severely injured patients, despite being a costly and limited resource.
Oscar Loayza, a conservationist with the Wildlife Conservation Society's Madidi Program, has been recognized for his work on strengthening indigenous participation in protected area management. His initiatives led to improved governance and consolidated indigenous territorial rights in Bolivia's Madidi National Park.
Researchers found that half of drivers make the stop-go decision three seconds before the stop line and few can clear the intersection before the light turns red. The study also revealed that people over 60 years old react slower to yellow lights due to longer perception-reaction times.
A new communication system will connect 120 cars in real-life testing to optimize traffic routes, detect obstacles, and reduce energy consumption. The simTD consortium's system will also provide drivers with real-time recommendations on the best route and alert them to imminent hazards.
Researchers developed a GPS-like device to optimize electric vehicle routes, reducing energy consumption and emissions. The system takes into account factors such as traffic conditions, road type, grade, and passenger/cargo weight to increase range by at least 10%.
The GTRI's automated pavement crack detection and sealing system can detect cracks as small as one-eighth-inch wide and efficiently fill them, increasing road structural integrity and extending repaving project time. The system requires fewer personnel and increases roadway coverage per day, saving transportation departments money.
A new study recommends 10 characteristics for effective implementation of global road safety, including adequate funding and coordinated efforts across multiple sectors. The Road Safety in 10 Countries project aims to reduce road traffic injuries in 10 low- and middle-income countries by evaluating and implementing road safety solutions.
A new study by MIT civil engineers finds that stiffer pavements can reduce vehicle fuel consumption by as much as 3 percent and decrease CO2 emissions by 46.5 million metric tons per year, resulting in significant savings and environmental benefits. The study uses mathematical modeling to analyze pavement deflection under vehicle tires...
Researchers from Wayne State University will analyze the condition of several bridges in Michigan with a focus on diagonal cracks and potential design flaws. The study aims to identify the causes of these cracks and provide recommendations for repairs and design procedure revisions.
The Meador Kansas Ellis Trail project in Bellingham, Washington, has received the world's first official 'Greenroad' certification from Greenroads. The project incorporates over 400 recycled toilets and up to 80 tons of recycled concrete into its design.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that shifting truck-borne freight to trains could significantly improve air quality in the Midwest. The study estimates that reducing truck traffic by just 5% would lead to a 31% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to taking about 4 million cars off the road.
The FUTURAGE Road Map provides a comprehensive European research agenda for ageing, focusing on tackling health inequalities and promoting active ageing. The project's key recommendations include engaging end users of research, improving coordination among existing and future research, and building capacity in ageing research.
A fleet of 120 vehicles is testing a system that alerts drivers to hazards, including traffic blocks and emergency situations. The simTD project aims to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and lower CO2 emissions through real-time information sharing between vehicles and infrastructure.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of fertility issues and provide a voice to those affected. Thousands of postcards with moving stories will be sent across Europe until October 2011, spreading hope for millions of others struggling with infertility.
A new study predicts that global warming will limit access in certain Arctic areas but increase it in others, particularly for coastal communities and shipping concerns. Inland mining, timber, and small communities may be negatively affected by reduced road accessibility.
A study of 266 healthy adults aged 70-88 found that driving errors, such as failing to check blind spots and speeding, increased with age. The results have implications for skill-based driving tests and training for older drivers.
Despite high murder rates and traffic-related injuries, Brazil has made progress in reducing violence, with the introduction of effective policies such as the zero-tolerance law. The country's geographical distribution of domestic violence and its impact on public safety also require attention.
Researchers found that drivers who engage in a secondary task, such as talking on the phone, are more likely to stay focused and avoid accidents. The study suggests that strategically introducing an additional task can improve driver attention and stability, particularly during monotonous driving.
A University at Buffalo researcher's study suggests that teen drivers with ADHD are significantly more at risk for accidents when texting while driving. The study found that texting impairs driving abilities to the point of losing control, and teens often don't realize their behavior has severe consequences.
A new study suggests that driving simulators can be an effective way to improve the driving skills of older adults. The researchers found that coaching and feedback through a driving simulator improved driving abilities in older drivers. This method may help keep older drivers on the road longer while maintaining safety.
The CARING CARS project aims to make driving safer by developing an innovative sensor network that monitors a driver's vital signs and responds accordingly. The system detects fatigue, emotional state, and other factors to provide alerts and assistance in emergency situations.
Research published in PLOS Medicine reveals that prescribed medicines are responsible for over 3% of road traffic crashes in France. The study found that drivers taking level 2 and 3 medicines were at higher risk of being involved in a crash, with a fraction of crashes attributable to these medicines being 3.3%.
A new study finds that older adults wearing multifocal contact lenses may have slower driving speeds at night and reduced ability to recognize road hazards compared to those using progressive addition glasses. However, they can still see road signs at a shorter distance.
A team of researchers found that speed cameras decrease crashes involving injury and fatalities by reducing average speed and speeding violations. The study compiled data from 35 relevant studies, concluding that the cameras are effective in preventing road accidents.
A new flood-mapping computer system is being developed to help emergency medical services crews navigate flooded roads in real-time. The system, led by UH Professor Gino Lim, will use color-coded maps to indicate the severity of flooding on major road segments.
Spanish researchers found that reducing emergency response time from 25 to 15 minutes can cut the risk of death by one-third. The study, based on data from the Directorate General for Traffic, suggests that faster medical responses can save lives, especially on conventional roads where deaths increase with waiting time.
A new study suggests that safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is key to preventing climate change in Indian cities. By prioritizing non-motorized transport, cities like Delhi can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save lives from road traffic injuries, and promote physical activity.
A study found that individuals with hemianopia, a condition where one half of the visual field is blinded, struggle to detect pedestrians on their blind side while driving. This suggests that drivers with hemianopia should be tested individually to determine their fitness to drive.
A team of engineers from the University of Almería has developed a methodology to help meet the EU objective of cutting road deaths by 50% between 2000 and 2010. The researchers have calculated weighted coefficients for reducing accident rates in various geographical areas, using an inverse logarithmic formula.
A study of over 20,000 young drivers found that those living in rural areas are more likely to be involved in serious crashes than urban counterparts. Rural roads pose significant risks due to curved sections and speeding.
A study by WCS field scientists found that a single road in the park can change how indigenous communities use their resources, leading to commercial hunting and wildlife depletion. The researchers recorded over 11,000 kilograms of wild meat moving through markets between 2005-2007, with prices increasing by up to 60%.
A study of 20,000 young drivers found that risky behaviors like speeding and text messaging while driving significantly increase the risk of crashes. Young drivers who engage in these behaviors, even with good safety knowledge, are more likely to crash.
A long-term study found that repealing the National Maximum Speed Law in 1995 resulted in approximately 12,500 deaths due to increased speed limits across the US. The study suggests that reduced speed limits and improved enforcement with speed camera networks could save lives.
Researchers discovered ripples appear even without springy suspension or wheel, linking it to stone skipping physics. The study provides insights into designing improved suspension systems to eliminate bumpy rides.
A RAND Corporation study found that congestion pricing can benefit low-income drivers if revenues are used to support transportation projects in their communities. Policymakers should consider the distribution of residents and job opportunities when implementing congestion pricing to minimize regressive effects.
A new material developed at the University of Michigan can heal itself when it cracks due to its designed narrow hairline cracks. The self-healing concrete recovered most of its original strength after being subjected to a 3% tensile strain, making it safer and more durable for infrastructure.
A study by Kansas State University researchers found that people drive at speeds based on their perceptions and existing conditions, rather than adhering to posted speed limits on gravel roads. The study also revealed no safety benefits from posting speed limit signs or reducing the speed limit.
The system gathers detailed info about weather and road conditions from moving vehicles, providing critical alerts to drivers. The goal is to reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths by giving drivers timely warnings about nearby hazards.
A North Carolina State University study reveals painted road markings outperform thermoplastics in reflecting headlights, helping states comply with federal safety standards and reduce painting costs. The research found that paint reflects more light when driven in the direction of application, saving states millions.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that people consistently estimated the length of road dashed lines to be only two feet, despite them being 10 feet long. This misperception has implications for traffic safety, as drivers may be underestimating their speed and covering more ground than they think.
SnowMan, developed by UB engineers, uses fluid mechanics principles to design roadways less prone to snow drifts. The software provides precise placement of snow fences to mitigate drifting, reducing highway safety risks and winter maintenance costs.
Researchers in Taiwan have developed a computer algorithm that provides a gear-shifting sequence to optimize power output and maintain comfort while cycling. The system, tested on a 12-speed bicycle, minimizes power losses and gear shifts, allowing riders to pedal efficiently without fatigue.
Researchers found that high-risk drivers are less likely to drink and drive if they perceive a probability of being stopped or arrested by law enforcement. The study suggests that public safety education, media efforts, and high-visibility enforcement campaigns can effectively deter drunk driving behavior.
A North Carolina State University study has identified five risk factors associated with farm vehicle crashes on public roads, including the use of non-English speaking drivers and young farm vehicle drivers. The study suggests that a comprehensive approach, including driver licensing, training, and monitoring, could reduce the risk of...
A new study at Montana State University's Western Transportation Institute will use in-car cameras to monitor the effect of Montana's driver's education modules on teen attitudes and behaviors behind the wheel. Researchers aim to understand how these programs can help teens become better drivers and reduce fatal car accidents.
Researchers at Montana State University's Western Transportation Institute will use automated in-car cameras to gauge the effect of Montana's driver's education modules on teen attitudes and behaviors behind the wheel. The study aims to reduce drowsy and distracted driving, particularly in rural areas.