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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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Cash converters: could this Dutch scheme stop drivers speeding?

Elle Hunt

May 25, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Netherlands, Helmond, North Brabant

A city in Holland known for its lead-footed drivers is finding success in changing behavior by offering small increments of funding for each car that stays at or below the speed limit. The initial effort raised 500 euros for a local playing field well before the three-week target date. The mobile speedometer will be moved to various cities around the province for the next two years and officials say it's a way to break drivers out of their routines and encourage them to think more about everyone's role in traffic safety.

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Building minds: How Detroit grows mobility talent

Claire Charlton

February 19, 2018 |

Model D |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

Michigan is becoming a leader in the field of autonomous vehicles. Fifteen colleges and universities across the state have joined in an academic consortium to ensure students entering the workforce will have the necessary skills to advance mobility technology. Competitions in vehicle development and robotics are equipping students to become leaders in the field.

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Here's one idea to make ‘Storrowing' a thing of the past

Matt Rocheleau

February 08, 2018 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

A persistent problem in Massachusetts of trucks going through tunnels or underpasses that are too low for safe clearance has prompted officials to look to Sydney, Australia for a possible solution. Officials in that city worked with a private company to develop a system where if a truck is too tall, it triggers a warning so officials can activate a sheet of water at the tunnel entrance upon which is projected the holographic image of a giant red Stop sign. It's proven successful in stopping drivers before they enter the tunnel.

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It turns out vodka and icy roads can be a good mix

Matt Rocheleau

January 30, 2018 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Although alcohol and driving don't typically go hand-in-hand, researchers found one way to successfully and safely combine the two. By taking the by-products of the distilling process and combining them with the typical road salt that is used to help melt snow during winter conditions, these researchers created a super mixture which enhances the capabilities of melting the ice.

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Can red-light cameras help curb Milwaukee's reckless drivers?

David D. Haynes

December 13, 2017 |

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |

Video |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A columnist looks at the proposal to bring red light cameras to Milwaukee after a string of horrific car accidents where a driver blew through traffic lights. The piece covers a good deal of data on the efficacy of red light cameras in Chicago and elsewhere, pointing out the positive results of fewer crashes while pointing out the flaws, such as an increase in rear-end collisions. The author also explains how he reported the story and provides numerous links to resources so readers can continue to explore the topic.

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GPS darts help stop high-speed police chases

Tara Molina

September 28, 2017 |

WEWS-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Lucas County, Ohio

With the help of a grant, the sheriff’s department in Lucas County is using GPS-enabled darts to catch criminals who run. Instead of engaging in a dangerous high-speed chase, officers can tag the car with a dart, watch where the car goes on a computer, and meet it when it stops.

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Driving from a wheelchair

Jana Klimova

June 24, 2017 |

Respekt |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Czech Republic, Lostice

A family business in the Czech Republic is manufacturing what they call an Elbee car, an "urban micro-car designed specifically for disabled drivers." It's a vehicle that opens at the front to allow for wheelchair users, and its been officially certified and on the market since 2014. While the car's cost is a limiting factor for its success, the Elbee is seeing interest from wheelchair users and investors alike.

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