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These Bridges And Tunnels Save Wild Animals' Lives — And Prevent Car Wrecks, Too

Courtney Flatt

November 09, 2018 |

Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) |

Multi-Media |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Washington

U.S. Highway 97 is one of the highest travelled roads through Washington, but it is also one of the most dangerous due to wildlife crossings. Taking note of successful initiatives in other states and countries, Washington is making moves to implement underpasses which will reduce the rate of accidents and cut down on medical and vehicular collision costs.

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Cities are Making Left Turns Safer with ‘Wedges'

Angie Schmitt

November 09, 2018 |

Streetsblog USA |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

In 2016 and 2017, New York City installed infrastructure designed to slow down drivers making left-hand turns in more than 200 locations and banned left turns at high-risk spots as a way to curb pedestrian crashes. Since then, median left-turn speeds have dropped 19 percent at those intersections and the number of vehicles cutting turns so closely they cross the double yellow lines declined by 79 percent. Now cities like San Jose and Los Angeles are looking to follow New York’s lead.

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How Durham Is Using Nudge Theory to Drive People Out of Their Cars

Laura Bliss

October 30, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Durham, North Carolina

The city of Durham implemented a series of behavioral and economic nudges to encourage drivers to use alternative modes of transportation to get downtown besides cars. For instance, drivers could opt in to receive emails about bike and bus routes or be entered to win a cash prize if they took the bus. Together, the initiatives helped decrease single-driver trips downtown by over five percent.

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The Dutch Reach: A No-Tech Way to Save Bicyclists' Lives

Tanya Mohn

October 05, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Cambridge, Massachusetts

A retired doctor in Massachusetts created a project to push for more places to adopt the robust culture of cycling and motorist safety from the Netherlands by training everyone in the “Dutch Reach.” Two states have it in their driver's manuals and the move greatly reduces the chance of cyclist injury by car doors because the driver uses his/her far hand to reach across the body to open the door. It forces drivers to look in the side view mirror and over their shoulders to check for cyclists.

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Making Crossings Safe For Wildlife And Drivers

Laura Paskus

September 14, 2018 |

KNME-PBS |

Broadcast TV Programs |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Tijeras Canyon in Albuquerque, New Mexico was once known as a major spot for collisions between vehicles and wildlife. To make it safer for humans and animals alike, the Tijeras Canyon Safe Passage Project was created that alerts drivers of animals ahead, thus prompting drivers to slow their speeds.

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The region's toughest red-light camera busted drivers 24,000 times last year

David Gutman

September 04, 2018 |

The Seattle Times |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Des Moines, Washington

A small town near Seattle installed red light cameras in 2016 and officials immediately founder higher numbers of traffic violations than predicted, especially at one intersection, which accounted for most of the tickets issued to drivers. The technology is very controversial among drivers, but national studies have demonstrated the cameras reduce fatal crashes. In Des Moines, the number of tickets issued spike, but then began decreasing, indicating a change in driver behavior.

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How to know, address an aging loved one's deteriorating driving skills

Noah Jones

August 23, 2018 |

Richland Source |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Ohio

As our loved ones age, their driving skills can change. Through expert opinions from the Area Agency on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association, several measures can improve this transition for caregivers and their loved ones. These steps include how to approach them and where to find educational driving materials. Moreover, the necessity of having a plan in place is emphasized to ensure seniors have a means of transportation in order to prevent depression and other ailments.

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UPS Trucks Don't Turn Left and Neither Should You

Cailey Rizzo

August 17, 2018 |

Time Magazine |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States

By having its drivers eliminate most left turns on their routes UPS has saved millions of gallons of fuel and reduced the output of tons of carbon dioxide. The company put the policy in place in 2004 after its vehicle routing software in all its trucks determined left turns wasted time and money stopping them also reduces accidents. These gains could increase exponentially if every driver eliminated left turns but that is probably unlikely.

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Check the Back Seat! Alerts Remind Drivers About Children

Ellen Byron

July 28, 2018 |

Wall Street Journal |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Nissan and GM plan to make warning systems standard in many of their vehicles that alert drivers there are occupants in the back seat to address the persistent issue of children dying in hot cars. Other new products, apps and education efforts are underway as well to tackle this problem. These potential solutions represent a societal shift that seems to acknowledge this can happen even to the most conscientious parents.

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Two years after Philando Castile's death, programs aim to transform relations between police, residents

Dan Simmons

July 07, 2018 |

The Washington Post |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Roseville, Minnesota

Drivers in a suburb of St. Paul, Minn., who have equipment issues with their cars may get coupons to help them fix the problems at repair shops rather than a ticket. The Lights On program was created by a nonprofit after the shooting death of Philando Castile by a police officer during a traffic stop over a broken tail light in a nearby town. Twenty participating police departments around the Twin Cities are participating and the program expanded to Iowa, with plans for additional locales.

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