This oped takes on American street design and blames it for causing countless road injuries and deaths.
Examples in other countries like Sweden show that simple infrastructural devices can greatly reduce accidents, according to Mark Rosenberg, a former assistant attorney general.
"They showed that this could be done cheaply. When Mylar - a strong polyester film - is supported by closely spaced plastic poles, it can keep cars from crossing the median. When the Swedes used this type of center barrier to separate the traffic going in opposite directions, they effectively prevented head-on collisions and the death rate on these roads fell by 70 percent to 80 percent."
Thanks to Reconnecting America
FULL STORY: Roads that are designed to kill
Milwaukee Road Safety Efforts Paying Off
The city is seeing fewer speeding violations after installing traffic calming measures and boosting enforcement to limit reckless driving.
Kansas City Adding Speed Bumps for Traffic Safety
The city is adding the traffic calming measures at 50 high-risk intersections.
The Role of Segregation in Traffic Deaths
Research from Chicago suggests that the city’s traffic calming infrastructure is concentrated in the most affluent neighborhoods, contributing to higher rates of road deaths in lower-income neighborhoods.
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
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
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