A new study sheds light on what actually convinces drivers to slow down and stop for pedestrians.

Angie Schmitt reports on the findings of an analysis by Nichole Morris, director of the HumanFIRST Laboratory at the University of Minnesota, of drivers yielding at crosswalks around St. Paul.
Morris and her team initially found yielding rates were dreadful: Only 32 percent of drivers stopped. But they were able to improve that number more than double that using “human factors psychology,” which is focused on altering group behavior.
Human factors psychology includes other jargon-y sounding terms like "social norming" and "implied surveillance." But Schmitt interviews Morris in person to clarify more of the concepts behind this tool for convincing drivers to slow and even stop for the safety and right of way of pedestrians.
FULL STORY: To Get Drivers to Yield, St. Paul Uses Psych Trick

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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