HSRC in the news
HSRC researchers regularly share their insight on transportation safety topics with the media. Below are some recent highlights.
2024
One City’s Quest to Rein in Reckless Driving
Governing, April 16, 2024
Traffic deaths topped 40,000 last year as NHTSA looks to reduce distracted driving
NBC News, April 4, 2024
2023
Raleigh’s deadly Capital Boulevard corridor
AXIOS Raleigh, July 18, 2023
As pedestrian deaths increase, officials and advocates take measures to enhance safety
11 Eyewitness News, July 11, 2023
Why pedestrian deaths hit a 41-year high: Blame reckless driving, bigger cars
NBC News, June 29, 2023
Where the sidewalk ends: Residents express concerns about safety, walkability as Raleigh expands
WRAL, June 15, 2023
Scooter crashes increase in North Carolina and many go unreported
11 Eyewitness News, May 30, 2023
UNC study finds infrastructure for e-scooters could be the key to reducing injuries
Carolina Connection, Apri 14, 2023
Pedestrian deaths spiked in Raleigh last year. Why? And what can be done to fix it?
The News & Observer, April 7, 2023
Lawmakers debating changes to rules for young drivers
NC Health News, April 5, 2023
Police continue to investigate after man fatally struck by bus at Logan Airport
Boston Fox 25 News, March 28, 2023
Infrastructure needed for e-scooter safety
UNC’s The Well, March 24, 2023
Building the Road to Zero
The Local Reporter, March 21, 2023
Bill passes N.C. Senate to let minors drive alone sooner, some researchers express concern over changes
WECT (Wilmington), March 20, 2023
Bill that could reduce time to have a learner’s permit passed by NC Senate
WCNC (Charlotte), March 18, 2023
Study: Pedestrian Death Rate More Than 2x Higher in Historically Red-Lined Neighborhoods
Streetsblog USA, March 17, 2023
2022
Wrong-way crashes have spiked in North Carolina. Fixes may be on the way.
The News & Observer, November 27, 2022
How Carolina developed the ‘gold standard’ in licensing young drivers
UNC’s The Well, October 20, 2022
Chapel Hill Police Department runs monthly speed checks to improve pedestrian safety
The Daily Tar Heel, October 18, 2022
Carrboro elementary students use alternative transportation for Walk & Roll to School Day
The Daily Tar Heel, October 16, 2022
Designing Safer Streets
The Pulse-WHYY, October 14, 2022
Seattle streets still deadly — but safer for kids, feds say
Capitol Hill Seattle Blog, October 13, 2022
Creating Safer Communities Amid a Rise in Risky Driving
UNC Research News, October 10, 2022
Deadly car crashes hit a high in early 2022. Pandemic-fueled risky driving may be to blame.
NBC News, August 22, 2022
National study offers new bike count models: Combining traditional counters and emerging GPS data
EurekaAlert!, July 14, 2022
Traffic Safety Ads Are Better at Making Puns Than Saving Lives
Slate Magazine, June 14, 2022
‘ALWAYS SCARED’ Dangerous Streets Outside City Schools Threaten Children
StreetsBlog NYC, May 24, 2022
It’s an especially dangerous time to be a pedestrian in America
Popular Science, May 19, 2022
Durham becomes first NC school district to hire transportation planner
CBS 17, March 15, 2022
NCDOT: More people died on NC roads in 2021 than in any year since the early 1970s
News & Observer, February 20, 2022
NC kids can get free bike helmets, thanks to specialty cycling license plate
News & Observer, January 5, 2022
2021
As Charlotte’s goal for zero traffic deaths by 2030 inches closer, traffic fatalities only increase
WFAE 90.7, December 7, 2021
The Deadly Myth That Human Error Causes Most Car Crashes
The Atlantic, November 26, 2021
Pandemic puzzler: People drove less, had fewer accidents, but more died on the road
The News & Observer, November 5, 2021
North Carolinians drove less, had fewer accidents, but more died on the road
The Times News, November 5, 2021
Road Rules: 9 Key Safety Tips Runners Should Know
Women’s Running, October 15, 2021
Watch for kids: More than 100 NC schools participate in National Walk Day
WRAL, October 6, 2021
A racing Audi. A family out for ice cream. A high-speed NC crash changed them
Charlotte Observer, October 1, 2021 (requires access)
With children back in schools, safety advocates seek to protect young walkers and cyclists
The Washington Post, September 24, 2021
Race, Racism and Racial Equity Symposium hosts fourth seminar for UNC community
The Daily Tar Heel, September 12, 2021
Are Robots Coming to a Sidewalk Near You?
Next City, September 10, 2021
Stopping Harm Before It Starts
Endeavors (UNC Research), July 22, 2021
A Look At Extreme Speeding On North Carolina’s Roads
Charlotte Talks, June 24, 2021
How can NC stop speeders and reduce deaths? Safety advocates lay out possible solutions.
Charlotte Observer, June 4, 2021
Bill temporarily loosening permit restrictions for NC teen drivers awaits Cooper’s signature
11 Eyewitness News, May 18, 2021
Greensboro’s warning to speeders near schools: We’re watching
News & Record, April 12, 2021
Booster seat safety
UNC Trauma Talk Podcast, March 7, 2021
Thoughtful design can make streets more walkable
Yale Climate Connections, March 6, 2021
Fatal crashes rise in N.C. during pandemic, even though driving was way down
North Carolina Health News, January 25, 2021
North Carolinians drove far less during the pandemic. So why did fatal crashes go up?
The News & Observer, January 13, 2021
2020
Safety Issues of Tesla: What Customers Should Know
Morning Wave in Busan, December 18, 2020
Mornings with Morgan: Walk To School Day
NC Alliance for Health’s Mornings with Morgan, December 8, 2020
As death rates climb in rural NC, COVID-19 has shown up ‘with a vengeance’
The Charlotte Observer, September 16, 2020
We Need to Talk About School Transportation
CityLab, August 25, 2020
Mobility during a pandemic
UNC’s The Well, August 18, 2020
From livestock to nanoparticles: COVID-19 research runs the gamut at NC universities
WRAL, July 21, 2020
How to Build Safe Routes to School During COVID-19
Streetsblog USA, July 20, 2020
Drive Safely at Every Age
UNC Trauma Talk Podcast, April 28, 2020
Katie Harmon
Endeavors (UNC Research), February 5, 2020
Those E-Scooters Might Not Be as Dangerous as You Think
OneZero, January 27, 2020
Pedestrian deaths: What causes fatalities; how to improve safety
The Journal News, January 14, 2020
2019
‘Not worth it’: Study shows speed-related fatalities increase as speed limits do
The News & Observer, December 2, 2019
Deadliest Year for Pedestrians and Cyclists in U.S. Since 1990
The New York Times, October 22, 2019 (may need account to access)
PDF version of article
Carrboro film screening finds community and saves the planet, one cargo bike at a time
The Daily Tar Heel, October 14, 2019
Person County seat belt use is high
The Courier-Times, October 2, 2019
Why Chapel Hill may end right turns at some red lights
The News & Observer, September 30, 2019
Miracle Mile has a new crosswalk, specially designed to protect pedestrians
89.3 KPCC, September 27, 2019
10 Years on: 74 Walk Friendly Communities Recognized through Road Safety Program Sponsored by FedEx
CSR News, August 28, 2019
How safe are our streets for pedestrians in car-centric North Carolina?
The News & Observer, June 6, 2019
Editorial: One ‘diet’ that’s likely permanent
The Ledger, April 17, 2019
Roanoke Rapids to benefit from Watch for Me pedestrian, bike program
rrspin.com, April 10, 2019
Biking gains traction on Maui
The Maui News, March 17, 2019
Why Teens Hesitate to Drive
Carolina Parent, January 28, 2019
NCDOT seeks partners for 2019 Watch for Me Program
The Laurinburg Exchange, January 24, 2019
2018
Durham needs 500 miles of sidewalks. Here’s why they take so long.
The Herald Sun, December 28, 2018
Road to Zero Coalition Now Accepting Applications for 2019 Safe System Innovation Grants
National Safety Council, December 11, 2018
Ready, Set, Brake
Endeavors (UNC Research), November 27, 2018
‘Seat belts save lives’: But NC vehicle inspection does not require seat belt check
WRAL.com, November 1, 2018
Pay attention, stay alive. It’s simple.
The Chronicle Herald, October 26, 2018
Jerry Shelby represents Rowan at NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature
SalisburyPost.com, October 18, 2018
Woodman Park students celebrate Walk to School Day
fosters.com, October 10, 2018
Colchester seeks $200,000 sidewalk repair grant
The McDonough County Voice, September 6, 2018
Charlotte City Officials Consider New Bike Lanes
NextCity.org, August 2, 2018
No more parallel parking on Northwest Boulevard? Students, park-goers will need to back into spaces
Winston-Salem Journal, July 24. 2018
Summer Watch for Me NC Program Promotes Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety
Lumina News, July 5, 2018
‘Children At Play’ Are Stupid and Dangerous for Suburban Kids
Fatherly.com, July 2, 2018
Stressed out about teaching your teen to drive? Experts share 4 things to keep in mind.
The Washington Post, May 24, 2018
Limited EMS service increases crash danger in remote counties
Reflector.com, May 22, 2018
Look out for farm equipment on the road
The Wilson Times, May 14, 2018
As Pedestrian Deaths Spike, Scientists Scramble for Answers
Wired, March 22, 2018
Autonomous cars are here: NC State may speed technology forward
WRAL.com, February 22, 2018
What Helps a New Driver? More Driving
The New York Times, February 19, 2018
Walk Friendly Communities Program Advances Pedestrian Safety Countermeasures
FHWA’s Safety Compass, Winter 2018
2017
Special Contribution: The Pedestrian State of Things in the United States
CADROSA newsletter (Australia), November 2017
Giving Pedestrians a Head Start Crossing Streets
The New York Times, November 24, 2017
Buy the right license plate and you’ll help a kid get a free bike helmet
News & Observer, November 6, 2017
Supervised Driving Practice: Don’t Just Be a Passenger, Be an Educator
DriversEd.com, October 18, 2017
Look out! Deer darting into roads
Reflector.com, October 11, 2017
Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools celebrate Walk to School Day
UNC The Daily Tar Heel, October 4, 2017
Watch for Me
FHWA’s Public Roads, September 2017
Schools Target Morning Drop-Off Madness; Car-only lanes, ‘walking buses’ and drive-through lots among efforts to quell the chaos
The Wall Street Journal, September 20, 2017
Data Steers Drivers Ed in Safer Direction
ElearningInside News, September 13, 2017
Insurance Institute Conducts Successful Test of Side Underguard Protection
Transport Topics, August 30, 2017
Speed cameras reduce speeding, traffic collision, NTSB says
WNCN.com, July 26, 2017
Achievement Awards Pile Up for Industry Stalwart Graham (includes mention of HSRC’s Bill Hall)
School Transportation News, July 13, 2017
MHP holiday patrols start Friday night in Lincoln County
The Daily Leader, May 24, 2017
Laura Sandt: Women in Science Wednesday
Endeavors (UNC Research), June 7, 2017
New Crash Modification Factors Resource
FHWA’s Safety Compass, Spring 2017
Several Factors Found to Increase Risk of Truck Crashes
The National Law Review, March 18, 2017
When vehicles collide – what is it called?
WNCN, March 13, 2017
Coming soon: N.C. transportation officials talk autonomous vehicle testing program
Charlotte Business Journal, January 25, 2017
2016
UNC to lead national transportation safety research effort
The News & Observer, Dec. 6, 2016
DOT: Drivers, beware of animals
Gaston Gazette, Nov. 13, 2016
Deer involved in 800 Wilmington area vehicle crashes last year
StarNewsOnline.com, Nov. 4, 2016
Driving with your teen: 5 important tips for an easier ride
Citizen Times, Nov. 1, 2016
Children, parents, drivers: Be careful tonight
Salisbury Post, Oct. 31, 2016
Legislators plan another look at ‘liquor cycle’ licensing laws
WRAL.com, Oct. 17, 2016
Northwoods Elementary students walk to school
The News & Observer, Oct. 12, 2016
Knightdale Town Council backs Hodge Road Elementary pedestrian plan
The News & Observer, Oct. 7, 2016
Older Drivers No Slower at Taking Control of Semi-Autonomous Cars
Claims Journal, Sept. 30, 2016
Robert Foss: parents, how to best supervise your teen drivers
One More Second Road Safety Magazine, Sept. 14, 2016
Hedging High Stakes and Human Behavior
Endeavors (UNC Research), Aug. 3, 2016
Safety Concerns with Pokemon Go Extends to Roadways
Chapelboro.com, July 21, 2016
Study: Later school bell cuts teen crashes
WRAL.com, July 4, 2016
Summer Months Mean More Teen Driving Accidents
Education News, June 6, 2016
Drivers, beware: Memorial Day weekend could be one of the deadliest
CNN, May 27, 2016
Pedestrian Safety Focus of Multi-Agency Forum
Claims Journal, May 24, 2016
It just got more dangerous for teens who use the phone while driving
Star2.com, May 11, 2016
National leaders discuss ways to improve pedestrian safety
WSOC, May 10, 2016
Distraction is often a factor in teen drivers’ rear-end collisions
Reuters, May 5, 2016
Safety tips for Bike to School Day
Public News Service, May 4, 2016
Walking is great for exercise and transportation
The Huffington Post, April 4, 2016
Don’t expect that cyclist to cling to the curb
The Charlotte Observer, April 4, 2016
Galax earns national Safe Routes award
Galax Gazette, March 26, 2016
Tahoe bike path carries high construction cost
Las Vegas Review-Journal, March 21, 2016
Naperville removing ‘Children at Play’ signs as ‘unsafe,’ ‘unenforceable’
Chicago Tribune, March 4, 2016
2015
Road Worrier: NCDOT calls for new curbs on bicyclists
Charlotte Observer, Dec. 28, 2015
Lyons Avenue, Wallace Terrace get flashtrated
SOOToday.com, Dec. 8, 2015
Teaching teens to drive: Take a deep breath and hit the road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Dec. 2, 2015
States are putting the brakes on driver’s ed
Governing the States and Localities, Nov. 2, 2015
Whiting: When should a boy be considered an adult?
The Orange County Register, Oct. 9, 2015
Tips on buying car insurance for teenagers
The Seattle Times, Sept. 26, 2015
Project to encourage more Wake County students to walk to school
The News & Observer, Sept. 8, 2015
NC needs to address driver’s ed shortcomings
The News & Observer, Sept. 7, 2015
How Useful Is Driver’s Education?
WFAE, Aug. 28, 2015
Traffic deaths up 19 percent in North Carolina
The Charlotte Observer, Aug. 17, 2015
Buying Car Insurance for Teenagers Can Be a Balancing Act
The New York Times, Aug. 11, 2015
Official warns of dangers of teenage driving
Leavenworth Times, June 27, 2015
Eliminating driver’s ed classes would raise risks for all on the road
The News & Observer, June 23, 2015
Road Worrier: Parents, teachers say NC still needs driver’s ed
The Charlotte Observer, June 22, 2015
Experts hope to improve Kansas City’s ‘walkability’ at two-day summit
KSHB, June 2, 2015
Marion to launch bike, pedestrian safety effort
McDowell News, April 25, 2015
Merrimon madness: Addressing safety risks along Asheville’s major roadways
Mountain Xpress, April 22, 2015
TCS officials start conversation for safe routes to school
The Dispatch, April 16, 2015
Erik Landfried: Boy crossing Duke Street didn’t have to die
The News & Observer, April 3, 2015
New Hanover sees jump in fatal accidents involving drugs, alcohol
Wilmington Star-News, March 8, 2015
NCDOT seeks new partners for 2015 Watch for Me NC campaign
The Stanley News & Press, Jan. 27, 2015
Analysis: Charlotte’s red-light cameras may have prevented serious wrecks
Charlotte Observer, Jan. 4, 2015