Despite advancements in technology, women are significantly more likely to suffer severe injuries and fatalities in car crashes—not because they are worse drivers, (women account for fewer auto crashes than men in America) but because the safety features in vehicles do not account well enough for their anatomy.
October: Halloween and Pedestrian Safety Month As we approach the end of Pedestrian Safety Month, it’s important to remember that the focus on pedestrian safety…
Imagine a week where we all choose transportation alternatives to driving our own cars solo: walking, biking, using public transit, or ride sharing. Sure, there may be some downsides - cars are oftentimes convenient - but think about the upsides. This shift in our behavior can significantly reduce traffic congestion, lower fossil fuel exhaust emissions, and improve our air quality. A Week Without Driving can also foster empathy and understanding for those can't take advantage of the benefits of a personal car.
Re-evaluating the Safety of SUV’s and Trucks In today’s world, the allure of supersized or oversized vehicles (large SUVs and big trucks) sometimes stems from…
As average temperatures in many US cities continue to climb and debilitating heat events become more frequent, the importance of green spaces and shade in urban environments has become increasingly evident. National Heatstroke Prevention Day, observed earlier this month on May 1st, serves as a crucial reminder of the risks posed by excessive heat, particularly in densely populated cities like Los Angeles. To help mitigate these effects, one of the rays of hope we’d like to draw attention to is urban trees and shade.
Distracted driving presents itself in various forms, but one of the most prevalent and dangerous behaviors is texting, scrolling or using cell phones (and on-board screens) while driving. As advocates for safer mobility for everyone, we believe it's crucial to raise awareness, encourage safe driving behavior on the road, and reverse this worrying and dangerous trend. The Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with distracted driving and promote safer habits behind the wheel.
Like most of the US, California grapples with road safety. With ever larger cars clogging busy urban roads California seeks innovative solutions to curb traffic crashes and reduce congestion.
Among many efforts to improve the road network and our behavior, significant opportunities might be found in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to these problems. By utilizing AI's capabilities to analyze road networks, dangerous driving behavior, and other crucial factors, we might be on the brink of a revolution in road safety practices.
Last week, DCR was honored to be invited to be part of a discussion between a Finnish Smart City business and research delegation and the City of LA, to talk about opportunities to decarbonize Los Angeles. The event took place at the Finnish Consulate in Los Angeles. Part of the aim of this event was to introduce Finnish solutions that decarbonize cities, focusing on energy, the electrification of transit, green construction and smart building management.
Distracted driving is a problem that we are all aware of, but it is also notoriously difficult to quantify the scale of. This is due to the wide array of distractions that impact car drivers, which increasingly cost in terms of lost lives, property and serious injuries. More needs to be done by car and mobile phone manufacturers to restrict distractions while driving – promoting safety through software and hardware. For now though, we are left to self-discipline for the sake of public health: when we drive a car, we should do so with as few distractions as possible.
In 2020 there were 6,516 pedestrians killed due to motor traffic in the United States. That equates to 18 pedestrians every day or 125 pedestrians every week. Why does this happen? Walking isn't an inherently dangerous activity – but walking in an environment that's built primarily for cars is. Recognizing this serious problem is not difficult, but reversing trends and creating safer walking and biking environments requires re-designing our streets so everyone feels safe, regardless of their mode of transportation.
