An intrepid mapmaker and data cruncher has created a map that illustrates the ubiquity of fatalities on U.S. roads and highways.
Max Galka gathered the data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) into an interactive map that shows "373,377 points, one for each person who died in a vehicle crash between 2004 and 2013."
Each of the icons on the mapping representing data points also shows more information about the crash—i.e., whether the victim was a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, for instance. "Optionally, the map allows you to highlight crashes by contributing factor: alcohol, speeding, or distracted driving (using the Dept of Transportation’s definition)," adds Galka.
The map is an example of the democratic power of new mapping and data tools. Max Galka runs the Metrocosm website and created the map by himself, but people all over the country are picking up the story and sharing it online.
FULL STORY: Every Death on Every U.S. Road 2004-2013

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.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Adaptive Reuse Will Create Housing in a Suburban Texas Strip Mall
A developer is reimagining a strip mall property as a mixed-use complex with housing and retail.

Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work
Research shows that punitive measures that criminalized unhoused people don’t help reduce homelessness.

In U.S., Urban Gondolas Face Uphill Battle
Cities in Latin America and Europe have embraced aerial transitways — AKA gondolas — as sustainable, convenient urban transport, especially in tricky geographies. American cities have yet to catch up.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont