Traffic Safety Resource Center

Watch Out For These 5 Unexpected Risks of Summer Driving

Safe Driving

Winter, with its abundance of snow, ice and auto-mechanical failure, is certainly a precarious time for drivers. Yet, it’s summer that’s most deadly. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration consistently shows the highest number of traffic fatalities are in the third quarter (July-September) while the lowest are in the first quarter (January – March). This might be attributed … Continue reading “Watch Out For These 5 Unexpected Risks of Summer Driving”

Choosing The Right High-Visibility Gear For Bicycling, Motorcycling, Walking At Night, And Outdoor Adventures.

Resource Guide

If you’re riding with cars or venturing into the great outdoors during hunting season, wearing eye-catching clothing is more than a best practice. It can be the difference between a good time and an accident. Lightweight, breathable high-visibility safety wear — which runs under $20 and can cost as little as $5 — is the only gear developed and tested … Continue reading “Choosing The Right High-Visibility Gear For Bicycling, Motorcycling, Walking At Night, And Outdoor Adventures.”

Why Railway Safety Demands a Long Term Strategy

Infrastructure

While many questions remain in the federal investigations of the May 12th Amtrak catastrophe, one thing seems certain: Technology could have prevented the crash. That specific technology is called Positive Train Control (PTC) and it isn’t exactly cutting edge. These crash prevention systems were released over 25 years ago and have been included in The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) … Continue reading “Why Railway Safety Demands a Long Term Strategy”

San Antonio Upgrades with Innovative Cycle Tracks

Bicycle Safety

The city of San Antonio, Texas, made a significant step towards realizing their ambitious Bicycle Master Plan. With the addition of 250 Zebra Lane Blockers (aka Armadillos), transportation officials are making a commitment to safe cycling that goes beyond a strip of white paint. Like many progressive transportation strategies, the Master Plan, published in 2011, aims to push San Antonio … Continue reading “San Antonio Upgrades with Innovative Cycle Tracks”

This Life-Hacker Nails What Safe Driving is Really About

Safe Driving

Etiquette. Not exactly the first word that comes to mind when you think about safety. Yet, that’s exactly what life-hacker and journalist, Kayla Matthews, chose to focus on in this brief but powerful video about safe driving. The majority of accidents, it turns out, are precipitated by inappropriate lane switching and other fuax pas. What seems rude can quickly … Continue reading “This Life-Hacker Nails What Safe Driving is Really About”

Think You Can Drive? The Top 10 Winter Safety Tips You Probably Forgot.

Winter driving

Winter is proving increasingly unpredictable (polar vortex, anyone?) and more treacherous for driver. That’s especially true in regions of the country that have been hit with sudden, atypical freezes.Yet, no matter how many advisories are issued, roll overs, multi-car pile-ups, and highway blockages continue to make daily news. Before you head out, make sure you’ve reviewed those safety measures most likely … Continue reading “Think You Can Drive? The Top 10 Winter Safety Tips You Probably Forgot.”

Check Out The Pro-Biking Bling In This Congressman’s Office

Infrastructure

One of the federal government’s most vocal proponents for infrastructure funding happens to be a staunch supporter of bicycle commuting. In a recent 60 Minutes report on the growing problem of underfunded, aging U.S. infrastructure, only one elected official unabashedly asserts what experts have long acknowledged: To save our crumbling roads and bridges, we need a long term, federal strategy. Althought the … Continue reading “Check Out The Pro-Biking Bling In This Congressman’s Office”

This Swedish Traffic Safety Specialist Says Better Design – Not More Laws – Is Key To Saving Lives.

Pedestrian Safety

You are now four times more likely to die in a traffic accident in the United States than in Sweden. But the difference wasn’t always so dramatic. Since the late 1990s, Sweden has employed Vison Zero, an innovative and holistic traffic safety strategy that’s cut fatalities down to a fraction. Due to its uncanny success, Vision Zero is now being adopted … Continue reading “This Swedish Traffic Safety Specialist Says Better Design – Not More Laws – Is Key To Saving Lives.”

Michigan’s New Law Acknowledges Vulnerable Users. But Is That Enough?

Bicycle Safety

Ask any official what will make roads safer for vulnerable users and “education” invariably tops their list. That’s a funny term because dangerous driving is rarely addressed through a curriculum. More often, officials are actually referring to public awareness campaigns — i.e. billboards, TV ads and web content that battle for public attention. Thanks to the Nathan Bower Act, signed … Continue reading “Michigan’s New Law Acknowledges Vulnerable Users. But Is That Enough?”

10 Tips to Protect Kids from Cars While Trick-or-Treating

Pedestrian Safety

The biggest danger to kids on Halloween isn’t poisoned candy – it’s child pedestrian accidents. Historically, children are four times more likely to get hit by a car and twice as likely to die in a pedestrian accident on this day than on any other. Why does this happen? The obvious answer is more children are walking in close proximity … Continue reading “10 Tips to Protect Kids from Cars While Trick-or-Treating”

Don’t Let Your Child Make This Fatal Mistake On Halloween

Distracted Driving

Two years ago, on Halloween, a family from Tulsa, Oklahoma lost their young son before the sun came up.Seven year-old Elijah Rivers left for the school bus that morning with his 12 year-old neighbor, a close family friend.He was excited to show off the brand new costume he was wearing to his second grade class.The driver who struck and killed … Continue reading “Don’t Let Your Child Make This Fatal Mistake On Halloween”

9 Tricks for Accident-Free Homes and Neighborhoods

Distracted Driving

October through the end of December is jam packed with holiday festivities. But to ensure you and your family enjoy the celebration, plan for seasonal risks — particularly those associated with vehicle safety. Halloween is the most dangerous holiday for pedestrians and Christmas and New Years are notorious for drunk driving. Shorter days mean more darkness and that can be … Continue reading “9 Tricks for Accident-Free Homes and Neighborhoods”

8 Brilliant Craft Ideas That Help Keep You Safe At Night

Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrians and cyclists are much more likely to get hit by a car once the sun goes down. In fact, nearly a third of all pedestrian accidents occur in the three short hours between 8 PM and 11 PM. The best way to guard against the increased risk is by using high-visibility gear and reflective safety markers. The following simple … Continue reading “8 Brilliant Craft Ideas That Help Keep You Safe At Night”

Introducing Our Safety Resource Center

Traffic Safety

The Traffic Safety Store is currently developing a safety resource center to help you prevent accidents on the road, in the workplace, or on your property. We will be releasing content on an ongoing basis. If you have any suggestions or questions regarding safety and regulations, please leave a comment below. New pages include: How To Wear a Children’s Bicycle … Continue reading “Introducing Our Safety Resource Center”

Make Murals Not Mayhem: How Art Makes Us Better Drivers

Pedestrian Safety

Picture the worst intersection you encounter on your commute to work. What would happen if the traffic lights were removed? Chaos, right? According to some experts, eliminating signals can actually encourage considerate driving. The most extreme example comes from Poynton, U.K. The intersection running through the center of this historic 16,000-person village serves 26,000 vehicles per day, including a number … Continue reading “Make Murals Not Mayhem: How Art Makes Us Better Drivers”