The effects of the virus, including ‘brain fog,’ can make driving more difficult and dangerous.

A new study links the effects of Covid-19 to higher rates of car crashes. Kea Wilson explains the findings in Streetsblog USA, noting that a recent analysis found a 25 percent increase in crash risk associated with acute Covid-19. The study used state-cataloged test results and measurements of the virus in wastewater to compare the rates of crashes in communities with higher and lower Covid rates.
According to the study, “States that made more efforts to mitigate the virus, like instituting stronger mask mandates, had lower rates of COVID overall, and also lower rates of total crashes.” These results reveal a new, potentially long-term impact of the pandemic. The effects of the virus can impact drivers as much as driving under the influence of alcohol, study author and physician Baran Erdik said.
Although the study has limitations, Erdik says “even the possibility that the virus is making drivers less safe demands systemic action — both to decrease viral transmission and to decrease car dependence.” Erdik suggests that car-dependent places should enact stricter remote work policies for sick workers and improve air filtration in public buildings and transit vehicles. Meanwhile, individual drivers who contract the virus should be mindful of its potential impacts on their cognitive abilities.
FULL STORY: Study: Covid May Make Sick Drivers Worse Behind the Wheel

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
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Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie