archive
Critics Say Roads Safer, But Danger Still Lurks
November 24, 2009 Better-designed highways played a role in reducing road fatalities to a 40-year low last year. But safety advocates say the road is still a dangerous place, especially once drivers leave the Interstate Highway System and on roads designed with only drivers in mind.
'Diverging Diamond' Traffic Flow: Way Of The Future?
November 24, 2009 The "diverging diamond" highway interchange is being put to the test in Missouri. Fans of the new design say it improves traffic flow by eliminating problematic left turns. There's just one catch: It briefly sends cars over to the left side of the road.
Golden State Highways Are A California Nightmare
November 23, 2009 California roads once were the envy of the world. But like a lot of things in the Golden State these days, they’re not what they used to be. Federal Highway Administration data show that of the 20 major urban areas with the worst roadway conditions, eight are in California, with 64 percent in "poor condition."
Congress' Safety Agenda Faces Obstacles
November 23, 2009 With a sour economy, spiraling deficits and automakers in trouble, Congress' safety agenda faces some tough obstacles. Federal transportation and highway safety laws are set to expire this year, and a bill to renew their funding is stalled. So Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN) is pushing a six-year, $500 billion transportation reauthorization bill.
States Want To Keep Illegal Immigrants Off The Road
November 23, 2009 Only three states — Illinois, New Mexico and Washington — allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. Other states have recently implemented practices aimed at banning immigrants who enter the U.S. illegally from operating motor vehicles.
Slow Down; Enjoy The Ride
November 23, 2009 We asked our listeners to send us their road annoyances. Fred C. Lewis observes that those who rush ahead finish last.
How Crash Tests Help Bring Traffic Deaths Down
November 23, 2009 Thanksgiving is just days away, and for many Americans, that means taking to the highways. This week, NPR looks at ways to improve road safety. Today: the testing and technologies that are making vehicles safer.
Highway Fatality Rates By State
November 22, 2009 Highway fatality rates were highest in Montana and Louisiana in 2007 — more than 2 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. The lowest state rates were found in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Nationally, the fatality rate fell to a historic low of 1.27 in 2008.
Series Overview: How Safe Are Our Roads?
November 22, 2009 Highway safety has improved through better vehicle technology, smarter road designs and reformed behaviors, such as reduced drunken driving. But fatalities are still high: In 2008, more than 37,000 people were killed in crashes involving motor vehicles. This week, as the holiday travel season begins, NPR will explore these issues.
When Driving Interrupts Tweeting
November 22, 2009 We gave our listeners 250 words to tell us about their gripes with the road. George Finley, a soon-to-be dad living in Lakeland, Fla., expresses driving frustrations on his BlackBerry.
