The deadliest transportation accident in recent years has some asking whether more can be done to regulate modified vehicles, including limos.
A Saturday limousine crash ended up killing all 18 of the vehicle's occupants, as well as two pedestrians, in what officials have called the deadliest transportation accident in the U.S. since 2009. Patrick Jarenwattananon discusses how modified and refurbished vehicles often occupy a regulatory black hole.
"A stretch SUV limousine like the one involved in the accident is often created by modifying an existing vehicle — essentially sawing it in half, then lengthening the body and refurbishing the interior [...] The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets standards for newly manufactured vehicles, but limos that are modified after they're off the assembly line can skirt NHTSA oversight."
But even if this accident leads to some rule changes in New York, limos operating in other states won't necessarily be affected. "Another complicating factor is that U.S. transportation regulation is overseen by a patchwork of federal and state agencies, and regulations can vary greatly among states."
Read the full story: Fatal N.Y. Limo Crash Raises Safety Questions About 'Frankenstein' Vehicles
Federal road safety plan focuses on enforcement, driver behavior
A new initiative from the NHTSA calls for the increased use of tech to combat risky driving.
Tesla 'completely' redacts robotaxi crash reports
Reports submitted to the NHTSA also reveal differences in the types of crashes Tesla cars are involved in as opposed to its competitors.
Ted Cruz Blames Safety Features for the Rising Cost of Cars; Senate Could Roll Back Regulations
A Senate committee will hear testimony by automakers in a hearing that could determine whether autonomous emergency braking and other safety features will be mandatory on new cars.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Satanic Place Names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority