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Here's one idea to make ‘Storrowing' a thing of the past

Matt Rocheleau

February 08, 2018 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

A persistent problem in Massachusetts of trucks going through tunnels or underpasses that are too low for safe clearance has prompted officials to look to Sydney, Australia for a possible solution. Officials in that city worked with a private company to develop a system where if a truck is too tall, it triggers a warning so officials can activate a sheet of water at the tunnel entrance upon which is projected the holographic image of a giant red Stop sign. It's proven successful in stopping drivers before they enter the tunnel.

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It turns out vodka and icy roads can be a good mix

Matt Rocheleau

January 30, 2018 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Although alcohol and driving don't typically go hand-in-hand, researchers found one way to successfully and safely combine the two. By taking the by-products of the distilling process and combining them with the typical road salt that is used to help melt snow during winter conditions, these researchers created a super mixture which enhances the capabilities of melting the ice.

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Can red-light cameras help curb Milwaukee's reckless drivers?

David D. Haynes

December 13, 2017 |

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |

Video |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A columnist looks at the proposal to bring red light cameras to Milwaukee after a string of horrific car accidents where a driver blew through traffic lights. The piece covers a good deal of data on the efficacy of red light cameras in Chicago and elsewhere, pointing out the positive results of fewer crashes while pointing out the flaws, such as an increase in rear-end collisions. The author also explains how he reported the story and provides numerous links to resources so readers can continue to explore the topic.

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GPS darts help stop high-speed police chases

Tara Molina

September 28, 2017 |

WEWS-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Lucas County, Ohio

With the help of a grant, the sheriff’s department in Lucas County is using GPS-enabled darts to catch criminals who run. Instead of engaging in a dangerous high-speed chase, officers can tag the car with a dart, watch where the car goes on a computer, and meet it when it stops.

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Driving from a wheelchair

Jana Klimova

June 24, 2017 |

Respekt |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Czech Republic, Lostice

A family business in the Czech Republic is manufacturing what they call an Elbee car, an "urban micro-car designed specifically for disabled drivers." It's a vehicle that opens at the front to allow for wheelchair users, and its been officially certified and on the market since 2014. While the car's cost is a limiting factor for its success, the Elbee is seeing interest from wheelchair users and investors alike.

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The Stickers that Save Lives

Tom Colls Harriet Noble

June 04, 2017 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Kenya, Nairobi

Vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for young adults in nearly every country around the world, but the issue receives less policy attention or funding than diseases or terrorism. One clever initiative called Zusha in Kenya is using a very simple method - stickers - to spread safety messages on public transportation, and have already reduced bus accidents by as much as 25%.

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Passionate Parents Prompt 1st Flame-Retardant-Free Car Seat

Julie Watts

April 23, 2017 |

KPIX-TV |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

Prompted by parents concerned about chemicals in car seats a Massachusetts company created an infant seat that is naturally flame-resistant. It's something that most manufacturers have said they cannot do and still comply with federal regulations. Advocates and manufacturers say that for such solutions to become more widespread there must be changes in regulations and federal officials are conducting a study to evaluate potential improvements to the flammability standard for car seats.

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After the Pain, a Chance to Meet and Forgive

Timothy Williams

January 03, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Topeka, Kansas

A program in Kansas facilitates meetings between the survivors of those killed and the people who brought this pain into their world. This article delves into just one of these stories to explore how a couple reconciles with the man who got drunk, stole a truck and killed their son in a horrific crash. It looks at the impact on the perpetrator as well and how this meeting helped him understand the full scope of what he did so he could get sober and start healing.

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A virtual reality check for texting drivers

Jennifer Brannock Cox

May 02, 2016 |

Delmarva Now |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Salisbury, Maryland

The company AT&T has created a virtual reality simulator that gives users the chance to experience the dangerous, and often deadly, consequences of texting while driving. The new technology is currently being tested by the public and is aimed especially at young drivers who are more often surrounded by distracting technology. This is just one of many initiatives AT&T is pursuing to try and curb phone use while driving – others include legislation and phone apps that silence phones while driving.

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Birth Control for Bambi

Benjamin Goldfarb

April 15, 2016 |

Undark |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York

The overpopulation of white-tailed deer is a conservation realization and an environmental disaster for the communities that harbor them. Hastings-on-Hudson, a progressive community, has opted for a humane birth control method PZP that is injected by darts into does. The method is successful for its non-lethal approach and the population growth has slowed, but as of yet has not significantly decreased.

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