Week in Traffic: Is technology making drivers dumb?

You can’t underestimate their intelligence

A recent study by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) discovered an upward trend among states battling tech-induced distracted driving. New measures focus on increasing educational programs and enforcement campaigns as well as updating laws for the changing “wireless” culture. Read more The latest culprit? Driving “selfies,” or self-portraits taken while driving, are increasingly popular among teens and can be viewed on #driving. Read more. Sources: Huffington Post, Action News kshb.com

What cities have the worst traffic?

The newly released Tom Tom Traffic Index, which measures traffic in 169 major metropolitan areas, has declared Vancouver the most congested city in the world. There, drivers lose 93 hours per year sitting in traffic, significantly more than the average worldwide loss of 63 hours.  Spots for the top-ten worst traffic problems are exclusively held by Canadian and U.S. cities and includes Los Angeles, Seattle and New York City. Read more. Source: Business Wire

Cars talk

Although the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recognizes significant safety advantages for Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication systems– a key piece of driverless technology – they have not approved these emerging technologies for market use. V2V employs automated surveillance and wireless data sharing to help drivers avoid blind spots, head-on collisions and dangerous left hand turns. Manufacturers may need to improve the security frameworks and the DOT has yet to determine who will be responsible for operating V2V systems.  Read more. Source: Information Week

Introducing the world’s smallest (and most inexpensive) car, now street-safe

The new three-wheeled vehicle, by LA-based Elio Motors, has just been approved “street legal.” The futuristic pod-like car gets 3X the typical gas mileage and costs less than $7,000, but has no room for passengers.  Read more. Source: Ubergizmo

This city declares traffic signal cameras are no longer legit

Officials in Ellisville, Missouri have dismissed red-light traffic camera laws, saying it’s unlawful to hold the car’s owner accountable for violations when the owner might not be the driver. Ellisville may be one of the first municipalities to shut down camera laws and could spark a trend. Read more. Source: Columbia Daily Tribune