Latest news with #GovernorsHighwaySafetyAssociation
Axios
13-03-2025
- General
- Axios
Tennessee sees decrease in pedestrian deaths, but more progress needed
Pedestrian deaths are ticking down in Nashville and across Tennessee, although numbers remain far higher than they were a decade ago. Why it matters: There are measures that experts agree make pedestrians safer. Incremental progress in recent years could be a sign some improvements are working. Advocates and government agencies say doubling down on those strategies could help prevent more pedestrian deaths in the future. The latest: A new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows Tennessee making significant strides toward improving pedestrian safety. By the numbers: Tennessee saw 63 pedestrian deaths during the first half of 2024, according to the report. That is a 30% drop compared with the same period in 2023. The national report singled out our state's trend as particularly promising because of our "historically higher fatality counts." Zoom in: More recent numbers from Nashville show that trend extending further. Metro police reported that 33 pedestrians were killed in Davidson County in 2024. That's down from 39 in 2023. Yes, but: It's far too soon for a victory lap. That is still far more than the 18 pedestrian deaths Nashville logged in 2014. What they're saying: Wesley Smith of the advocacy group Walk Bike Nashville tells Axios the city must continue investments. For instance, Nashville Electric Service is in the midst of updating streetlights. But Smith urged officials to push upgrades to Murfreesboro Pike to the top of the list. He says that was the most dangerous road for pedestrians in 2024, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 fatal pedestrian crashes. State of play: The Nashville Department of Transportation has several ongoing projects aimed at improving pedestrian safety. The agency is conducting studies on major roads to determine whether speed limits should be lower. (Sections of Dickerson and Lebanon pikes have already gotten lower speed limits, NDOT spokesperson Cortnye Stone says.) What's next: The first wave of Mayor Freddie O'Connell's Choose How You Move transportation plan will fund additional projects, including the beginning of a redesign for a high-traffic stretch of Gallatin Pike/Main Street in East Nashville.
Axios
10-03-2025
- General
- Axios
Pedestrian traffic deaths rise in Indiana despite national drop
There were fewer pedestrian deaths on U.S. roads in the first half of 2024 compared to a year prior, but Indiana was one of nearly two dozen states that saw an increase. Why it matters: Cities are trying to reduce pedestrian deaths — so many of which are utterly avoidable — through "Vision Zero" programs, lower speed limits, "traffic calming" road designs and more. Driving the news: 3,304 pedestrians were killed on roads nationwide between January and June 2024, per a new Governors Highway Safety Association preliminary report. That's 88 fewer deaths than during the same period in 2023, but 1,072 more than during the same period in 2014. Stunning stat: "Between the first half of 2014 and 2024, pedestrian deaths have risen at a rate almost seven times faster than population growth," the report finds. Zoom in: There were 49 deaths in Indiana in the first half of last year, according to the report. That's 10 more than the same period in 2023 — a 26% increase. Indy Pedestrian Safety Crisis, a group that tracks local pedestrian deaths, injuries and other safety incidents, recorded 41 deaths in the city last year. State of play: The Indianapolis City-County Council established a Vision Zero Task Force last year with the goal of "eliminating all fatal and serious injury crashes on city streets by 2035." It is tasked with creating and adopting an action plan by July 1. The latest: During a City-County Council meeting last month, task force members discussed recent traffic calming projects that may serve as models for future Vision Zero work — such as the makeover of a section of College Avenue and the Michigan Street road diet. At that meeting, a row of chairs in the audience was left empty and labeled with the names of several pedestrians killed in the last year. Jakob Morales, the advocacy committee chair for Bike Indianapolis, told Fox 59 he feels his group's concerns are being taken seriously but that they'll continue to monitor the city's progress. "People will continue to be killed," he said, "so we need to act urgently."
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Daylight Saving Time and driving: AAA tips for safe commute
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Monday will be the first-morning commute for many after Daylight Saving Time went into effect. This can be a dangerous day on the roads, according to AAA. Moving the clocks forward one hour can cause people to feel drowsy and impact visible daylight during the morning commute. 'The first two weeks after a switch like this, after a spring forward, those are the most deadly,' said Kara Hitchens, public and government affairs manager for AAA. AAA research found an estimated 18% of all traffic fatalities between 2017 and 2021 involved a drowsy driver. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive? Which is best for you? That's why Hitchens said it's important to be awake and alert before getting behind the wheel. 'Obey your speed limits, fasten your seat belts, make sure that you're paying attention, you put your devices away and that you're focused on the road,' Hitchens said. Now that your morning commute may be in the dark, AAA reminds drivers to look out for pedestrians. According to the most recent data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, nearly 78% of pedestrian fatalities happened in the dark. 'They need to remember, you know, to be especially careful is looking out for school children as they are walking or riding their bikes to school,' Hitchens said. If you need to travel, make sure you do it when you feel most awake. If you start to feel tired, pull over and take a break. 'A good 15, 20-minute power nap, no more than 30 minutes, though,' Hitchens said. Another change that comes around the time clocks spring forward is the start of spring allergy season. Hitchens said to check your medications and be aware that some can make you feel drowsy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
AAA urges caution as we spring forward to Daylight Saving Time this weekend
Mar. 8—WILKES-BARRE — As Daylight Saving Time approaches this weekend, Jana Tidwell, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic, reminds drivers to stay focused behind the wheel. Tidwell said that with the time change impacting sleep patterns and daylight hours, drivers and pedestrians may be at a greater risk of the dangers associated with drowsy driving. According to the latest data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), nearly 78% of pedestrian fatalities happen in the dark. "The morning commute for several weeks to come will be much darker than what drivers have been used to in the last few weeks," Tidwell said. "It's important for drivers to be alert and remember that children will be on their way to school and may be hard to see." Previous AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research found that the number of drowsy driving crashes are much higher than official government statistics. The AAA Foundation's study, based on in-depth crash investigations and national fatal crash data, estimates that drowsy driving is a factor in roughly ten times as many traffic fatalities as traditional crash data indicates. Research found 18% of all traffic fatalities between 2017 and 2021 were estimated to involve a drowsy driver, accounting for nearly 30,000 deaths. In 2021 alone, an estimated 6,725 lives were lost in drowsy driving crashes. Drowsiness impairs drivers in several ways: Reduced alertness: Makes it harder to react quickly to hazards. Just one hour less than the expert-recommended minimum of 7 hours of sleep increases a driver's risk of crashing. Impaired judgment: Increases the risk of making poor decisions on the road. Sleep deprivation increases a driver's risk of making many ordinary mistakes, leading to crashes. Those deprived of sleep by 4-plus hours have an impairment similar to those over the legal BAC limit. Hazardous Microsleeps: Can cause momentary lapses in consciousness, leading to loss of control of the vehicle and failure to respond to dangers on the road. AAA Offers Tips To Stay Safe On The Road: —Ensure you get enough sleep before driving. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night. —Travel at times of the day when you are normally awake. —Avoid driving when you are tired or sleepy. —Listen to your body. If you start to feel tired, pull over and take a break. Don't try to push through it. —Travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving. Sharing the driving can help you stay awake and alert. —Don't underestimate the power of a quick nap. A 20- to 30-minute nap can significantly improve your alertness. To protect yourself and others, AAA recommends drivers commit to these safe driving practices as well. Avoid Distractions: Drivers should not use a cell phone while behind the wheel. 93% of drivers recognize the dangers of texting, emailing, and reading while driving, but 37% reported reading a text/email while driving in the past 30 days. Pennsylvania's new distracted driving law goes into effect beginning June 5, 2025, makes it a primary offense for any driver to use an interactive mobile device (IMD) while driving a motor vehicle. There is already a texting-while-driving ban in Pennsylvania, prohibiting any driver from using an IMD to send, read, or write a text-based communication while their vehicle is in motion. Stow your smartphone away, turn it to airplane mode, or activate call/text blocking features like "Do Not Disturb." "The text isn't worth putting yourself and everyone in and around that road at risk," says Tidwell. Obey Speed Limits: Speeding significantly increases the severity of a crash. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety's annual Traffic Safety Culture Index found that nearly half of drivers (49%) admitted to going 15 mph over the posted speed limit on a freeway at least once in the past 30 days, while 36% of drivers reported driving 10 mph over the posted speed limit on a residential street. Drive Sober: 95% of drivers overwhelmingly perceive drunk driving as dangerous and socially unacceptable. Yet 7% admitted engaging in this behavior in the previous 30 days. If you consume cannabis or alcohol, then don't drive. If you are taking potentially impairing prescription medications, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist how best to stay safe AND healthy behind the wheel. Buckle Up for Every Ride: It does not matter where in the vehicle you are seated. A properly worn seatbelt is the most effective way to survive a traffic crash. Don't forget passengers! A 2024 AAA analysis of five years of government crash data revealed that child seat and booster use declines after a child turns three. Find child passenger safety resources by state, including how to get a car seat checked, occupant protection laws, and answers to car seat questions. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
AAA urges caution as we spring forward to Daylight Saving Time this weekend
Mar. 8—WILKES-BARRE — As Daylight Saving Time approaches this weekend, Jana Tidwell, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic, reminds drivers to stay focused behind the wheel. Tidwell said that with the time change impacting sleep patterns and daylight hours, drivers and pedestrians may be at a greater risk of the dangers associated with drowsy driving. According to the latest data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), nearly 78% of pedestrian fatalities happen in the dark. "The morning commute for several weeks to come will be much darker than what drivers have been used to in the last few weeks," Tidwell said. "It's important for drivers to be alert and remember that children will be on their way to school and may be hard to see." Previous AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research found that the number of drowsy driving crashes are much higher than official government statistics. The AAA Foundation's study, based on in-depth crash investigations and national fatal crash data, estimates that drowsy driving is a factor in roughly ten times as many traffic fatalities as traditional crash data indicates. Research found 18% of all traffic fatalities between 2017 and 2021 were estimated to involve a drowsy driver, accounting for nearly 30,000 deaths. In 2021 alone, an estimated 6,725 lives were lost in drowsy driving crashes. Drowsiness impairs drivers in several ways: Reduced alertness: Makes it harder to react quickly to hazards. Just one hour less than the expert-recommended minimum of 7 hours of sleep increases a driver's risk of crashing. Impaired judgment: Increases the risk of making poor decisions on the road. Sleep deprivation increases a driver's risk of making many ordinary mistakes, leading to crashes. Those deprived of sleep by 4-plus hours have an impairment similar to those over the legal BAC limit. Hazardous Microsleeps: Can cause momentary lapses in consciousness, leading to loss of control of the vehicle and failure to respond to dangers on the road. AAA Offers Tips To Stay Safe On The Road: —Ensure you get enough sleep before driving. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night. —Travel at times of the day when you are normally awake. —Avoid driving when you are tired or sleepy. —Listen to your body. If you start to feel tired, pull over and take a break. Don't try to push through it. —Travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving. Sharing the driving can help you stay awake and alert. —Don't underestimate the power of a quick nap. A 20- to 30-minute nap can significantly improve your alertness. To protect yourself and others, AAA recommends drivers commit to these safe driving practices as well. Avoid Distractions: Drivers should not use a cell phone while behind the wheel. 93% of drivers recognize the dangers of texting, emailing, and reading while driving, but 37% reported reading a text/email while driving in the past 30 days. Pennsylvania's new distracted driving law goes into effect beginning June 5, 2025, makes it a primary offense for any driver to use an interactive mobile device (IMD) while driving a motor vehicle. There is already a texting-while-driving ban in Pennsylvania, prohibiting any driver from using an IMD to send, read, or write a text-based communication while their vehicle is in motion. Stow your smartphone away, turn it to airplane mode, or activate call/text blocking features like "Do Not Disturb." "The text isn't worth putting yourself and everyone in and around that road at risk," says Tidwell. Obey Speed Limits: Speeding significantly increases the severity of a crash. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety's annual Traffic Safety Culture Index found that nearly half of drivers (49%) admitted to going 15 mph over the posted speed limit on a freeway at least once in the past 30 days, while 36% of drivers reported driving 10 mph over the posted speed limit on a residential street. Drive Sober: 95% of drivers overwhelmingly perceive drunk driving as dangerous and socially unacceptable. Yet 7% admitted engaging in this behavior in the previous 30 days. If you consume cannabis or alcohol, then don't drive. If you are taking potentially impairing prescription medications, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist how best to stay safe AND healthy behind the wheel. Buckle Up for Every Ride: It does not matter where in the vehicle you are seated. A properly worn seatbelt is the most effective way to survive a traffic crash. Don't forget passengers! A 2024 AAA analysis of five years of government crash data revealed that child seat and booster use declines after a child turns three. Find child passenger safety resources by state, including how to get a car seat checked, occupant protection laws, and answers to car seat questions. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
