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New and emerging sources of data generated from travelers using mobile devices, vehicles, infrastructure, and other sources provide agencies with opportunities to change how they manage traffic and their transportation systems. These sources of data offer agencies an incentive to enhance or develop the capabilities of their transportation management systems to collect, compile, save, use, […]
Impaired driving continues to be a significant public health and public safety problem in the United States. In 2021 some 30 percent of the 42,915 traffic fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers (drivers with blood alcohol concentrations [BACs] of .08 grams per deciliter or higher). In addition, there has been a significant increase in drug-impaired driving and […]
The Alabama “Hands-Free” law goes into effect June 14. This law prohibits using electronic devices, like cell phones, while driving. Last year, Alabama lawmakers passed the measure while much attention was focused on distracted driving. The main goal of the law is to protect everyone on the road. “People should keep in mind that they […]
A statistical projection of traffic fatalities for 2023 shows an estimated 40,990 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, a decrease of about 3.6 percent as compared to 42,514 fatalities reported to have occurred in 2022. The fourth quarter of 2023 represents the seventh consecutive quarterly decline in fatalities beginning with the second quarter of […]
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration works to reduce the occurrence of distracted driving and raise awareness of its dangers. This risky driving behavior poses a danger not only to vehicle occupants but pedestrians and pedalcyclists as well. Driver distraction is a specific type of driver inattention that occurs when drivers divert attention from the […]
Speeding is a significant safety concern and has contributed to almost one-third of road fatalities in the past 20 years. This research investigated whether changing to higher posted speed limits on Interstates can cause spillover effects, or a systemic propagation of speeding behaviors that results in more crashes at nearby road segments. Findings presented in […]
Our Roads, Our Safety Week (May 5-11, 2024) is a national, annual safety observance dedicated to raising awareness on how to share the road safely with large trucks and buses. Together with the larger safety community, FMCSA is committed to sharing safety tips, resources, and materials that help improve road safety and reach zero roadway deaths. […]
Access to transportation may be required for many daily tasks, including going to work, health care visits, and obtaining groceries. Previous research suggests that a lack of transportation, especially among adults who are older, uninsured, and have lower incomes, leads to reduced access to health care, which may then lead to adverse health outcomes (1,2). […]
The aging of the population in the United States (U.S.), particularly the “baby boomers,” is bringing about new challenges to maintaining safe mobility for older adults that are well recognized in the transportation community. As research continues to better understand and respond to these challenges, three complementary and interdependent goals have emerged: 1) to help […]
Work zones present many challenges for trucks and buses – narrow lanes, sudden stops, traffic pattern shifts, and uneven road surfaces require all drivers to stay alert. In fact, large trucks are over represented in work zone crashes, making up nearly one-third of fatal work zone crashes. It’s critical that all road users approach work […]