You may also like Under the Dome | .biz | WakeWatch | OrangeChat | Eastern Wake Buzz
News
Web Search powered by YAHOO!
Crosstown Traffic
Crosstown Traffic is all about getting around in the Triangle. Bad drivers and traffic hassles. Gas taxes and transportation politics. Public transit and other auto alternatives.
The blog is maintained by N&O transportation reporter Bruce Siceloff, whose Road Worrier column is published each Tuesday.
This traffic is two-way. What do you think? Leave a comment or email Bruce with questions, links, tips or gripes.
Driving is more dangerous on Election Day
Submitted by BruceSiceloff on 11/03/2008 - 16:36
Look both ways before you vote tomorrow.
An Oct. 1 report in the Journal of the American Medical Association warns that you're about 18 percent more likely to die in traffic accidents on presidential election days than on other Tuesdays.
Researchers at Stanford University and the University of Toronto figured this out from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash statistics for every presidential E-day from 1976 (Jimmy Carter) through 2004 (George W.). And compared the stats for the Tuesdays preceding and following each election.
The Election Day effect strikes Republicans and Democrats, car riders and pedestrians, men and women evenly — and without regard to the outcome of the election itself. It has a bigger impact on traffic deaths than Super Bowl Sunday.
But why? The scientists offer no helpful answer.
One explanation is increased traffic, but other factors might contribute. A 4% increase in average speed, for example, could yield an 18% increase in deaths even with no increase in average travel distance. Additional factors might include distraction (driver inattention), rerouting (unfamiliar pathways) enforcement (decreased police presence), and demographics (mobilizing unfit drivers).
About the blogger
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. An N&O reporter and editor since 1976, he took over the Road Worrier column in 2003. Lately he drives I-40 with the cruise control set at 62 mph. E-mail Bruce or call him at 919-829-4527.Want to post a comment?
In order to join the conversation, you must be a member of newsobserver.com. To register or to log in using your existing account, click here.Advertisements
Comments
Tuesday's traffic
Wed, 11/05/2008 - 06:33 — phelpsgatesI did notice that traffic on Tuesday was definitely heavier than usual, and seemed just a bit crazier than usual. But maybe it was just the "increased traffic" factor. Except for people who walk to the polls (a seemingly decreasing number all the time), election day means one more round-trip for every voter.
John probably has a point.
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 09:41 — seaknight8John probably has a point. Another factor might be inattention to driving due to the mind being preoccupied with the voting decision. Driving well requires full attention to what you and other drivers are doing.
election wrecks
Mon, 11/03/2008 - 19:29 — john (not verified)euphemisms R us. Stanford/Toronto just don't want to come right out and deal with the Elephant in the Room: drivers who can't drive well. like my mother. "demographics" kill. well, that's what they said. thanks for publishing this report. it verifies the old saying: "Granny knows where she's going, and YOU should, too."