Research

Scholarly information regarding some aspect of traffic safety.

RESEARCH - Human-Electric Hybrid Vehicles

UBC LogoThe University of British Columbia has prepared a report for TransLink titled Human-electric hybrid vehicles: Implications of new non-auto mobility options for street design and policy in the Vancouver region. The objectives of the research were to address the following:

STUDY PROTOCOL - Measuring Levels of Cannabis, Alcohol and Other Substances in Injured Drivers

No Impaired DrivingThe background to this document states that: "As the prevalence of alcohol-impaired driving decreases, and as more jurisdictions decriminalize or legalize cannabis, it is increasingly important for policy makers to have accurate information on the prevalence and pattern of drug driving."

RESEARCH - Managing Demand for Curb Space

Wise OwlCurb space. This can be a very valuable commodity in urban areas due to the increasing competition among different road users for that space. During COVID it was even valuable for unrelated uses such as outdoor dining for restaurants. How should this be managed by officials, planners and engineers in the future?

RESEARCH - Understanding and Using New Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities

Wise OwlWe are seeing significant changes to city streets that create more room for transportation modes other than the automobile. Your opinion of these changes likely depends whether you are inside or outside of that automobile. Is it an informed opinion? Where do you find information on how these things work? Good questions!

RESEARCH - Tailgating

Follow too CloselyIn 2008, the Centre for Automotive Safety Research at the University of Adelaide, Australia, released a report that explored the role of tailgating in rear end crashes. It surprised me to learn that driver inattention was a bigger risk than following too closely.

RESEARCH - The Impact of Lowering Speed Limits in Urban Areas

MUARC LogoThe majority of all traffic collisions occur in the urban environment, where there is a more complex traffic environment and a higher predominance of road users that are more susceptible to injury and fatality in the event of an accident. A relatively straightforward and cost-effective speed management measure, involves reducing speed limits.

RESEARCH - Impaired Driving & Legalization of Recreational Cannabis

A recent article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal examined impaired driving and the legalization of recreational cannabis. It concluded that there is potential for a small but important increase in fatal motor vehicle collisions due to recreational marihuana use.

REPORT - Inlaid Pavement Marker Evaluation

reflective pavement markersOne of the drawbacks of living on Vancouver Island is having to drive at night in the rain. Where there is no street lighting present I find it like driving into a wet sack of coal. When the road markings are worn I must slow down in order to be safe because it is difficult to maintain proper lane position.

RESEARCH - Driving Deaths Caused by Simple Errors

TAC LogoThe Transport Accident Commission (TAC) of Victoria, Australia reports that new research reveals the majority of the state’s road deaths happen because of a simple mistake committed by the driver.  In 2020, 71% of road deaths involved a basic error, as opposed to high-risk behaviours such as speeding, drink-driving and drug-driving.

RESEARCH - LED Street Lighting

LED Street Light FixtureLED street lighting is controversial where I live. When BC Hydro upgraded some sections of the Town of Qualicum Beach the complaints started. For the most part they were about the new lights being too bright. There were many references in the media to colour temperature but none to the number of lumens that these lights were actually producing.

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