Status Report, Vol. 36: 2001

Volume 36, Number 10 • November 15, 2001

Large truck crashes have declined per mile but not per capita

Allowing younger truck drivers isn't a good idea, even on a trial basis

'Click It or Ticket' expands to seven states beyond North Carolina

Female drivers' fatal crashes have increased, but only because women are driving much more than they used to

Volume 36, Number 9 • October 6, 2001

Head restraints are improving; geometry is better, and some cars have advanced head restraint designs

Head restraint ratings are based on height and backset; for the time being, active designs automatically earn top ratings

New sled is being acquired at the Institute's Vehicle Research Center to test head restraints and other components

Volume 36, Number 8 • September 8, 2001

Seniors don't crash more, but they're more likely to die from crash injuries

Changes at intersections might help seniors

Vehicle design changes might keep seniors in cars longer, safer

Alternative ways of getting about might help older people

Screening tests aren't sensitive enough to distinguish the drivers who will crash from those who won't

Volume 36, Number 7 • July 28, 2001

Roundabouts reduce traffic backups as well as crashes involving injuries

Motorists' acceptance of roundabouts increases with experience

Special report: After William Haddon's balanced approach to highway safety is misrepresented in The New Yorker, Brian O'Neill sets the record straight

Reflective tape on trucks reduces crashes into the sides and rears of trailers

Volume 36, Number 6 • June 30, 2001

Sobriety checkpoints aren't frequent except in a few states

Awareness of zero tolerance laws is limited among young drivers

Improving detection of impaired drivers is first step to reducing DWI

Parents and many teens in California favor graduated licensing law

0.08 percent blood-alcohol limit for impaired driving reduces crash deaths, federal review concludes

Volume 36, Number 5 • May 19, 2001

Education alone won’t make drivers safer; it won’t reduce crashes

In the beginning, it was all about educating drivers to prevent crashes

What doesn't work: education alone is ineffective at best; can even increase risk

Many well-intentioned safety advocates cling to the belief that the answer to unsafe driving is safe driving courses and public service announcements bolstered by billboards, bumper stickers, and asorted trinkets

Importance of traffic safety laws: with publicity and education, laws change behavior

Exception that proves the rule: when education alone works

Volume 36, Number 4 • April 28, 2001

Red light camera enforcement reduces crashes, not just violations

Public supports red light cameras, but legal barriers impede use

Restricting right turn on red reduces crash risk, especially for pedestrians

Proposed head restraint rule would ensure better restraint geometry

Head restraint evaluation procedures, both static and dynamic, are being refined for international use

Changing the timing of traffic signals is found to reduce crashes

Volume 36, Number 3 • March 20, 2001

Crashworthiness keeps getting better

Some bumpers improve, but they're exceptions

Offset tests reveal safety problems and prompt remedies

Crashworthiness hasn't been upgraded despite poor test performance

Volume 36, Number 2 • February 17, 2001

First few months of driving unsupervised are the most hazardous.

Kentucky, Michigan, and North Carolina post lower crash rates among new drivers after adopting graduated licensing

Rural versus urban debate about graduated licensing

First child restraint attachments offered under new federal requirements don't necessarily secure seats snugly

Teen passengers increase the risk associated with young beginning drivers

Volume 36, Number 1 • January 6, 2001

You could survive a severe crash because of new technology

Side impact crashes with fatal head injuries when intruding vehicles struck occupants heads show need for side airbags with head protection

New crash test barrier is key to improving side impact protection

2001 models with side airbag head protection