For those interested in traffic data and technology, this is your page. All TheWiseDrive posts that cover statistics, vehicle technology and the future of driving are gathered here.
Side Streets Vs. Interstate: Which is Safer? - Q: I believe that studies show after changing an intersection to a roundabout, there will be more crashes in the roundabout than an intersection but the crashes will be less serious in the roundabout. Could there be a similar phenomena concerning side roads and expressways? For example, if I travel from Fairhaven to the airport, … Continue reading "Side Streets Vs. Interstate: Which is Safer?"
Getting High, Getting a DUI, Getting Help - Q: Now that we’ve had a few years of legalized marijuana, do we know what impact that has had on impaired driving? A: Before I answer that, I’ll point out that understanding traffic data is complex and we can’t always draw accurate conclusions from one set of data. But let’s look at one set of … Continue reading "Getting High, Getting a DUI, Getting Help"
- Drug Categories and their Common Effects - Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it would have been helpful to know if someone is impaired by drugs? This drug effects chart can help. Originally conceived in a meeting with local bar and restaurant owners, it was developed to help bartenders servers recognize impairment in customers that used drugs prior to …
Disturbing Trends in Impaired Driving - When it comes to impaired driving, how are we doing? Since the 1970’s, the message has consistently been, “If you drink, don’t drive,” and “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.” The laws have become stricter, the penalties have become steeper. But has it worked? A few years ago I could have confidently answered yes, or … 
The World’s Craziest Roundabout - If it took some time for you to get used to the roundabouts we have here in northwest Washington, just take a look at this one in Swindon, England. Seven traffic circles combine into one roundabout, and you get to pick which direction you want to go. You’d think it would be a crazy mess, … 
Impaired Driving: Alcohol vs. Drugs - Recently I was asked if the legalization of marijuana was having an impact on impaired driving. I knew anecdotally, from conversations I’ve had with the law enforcement community, that officers were encountering more drivers impaired by marijuana, and I knew that over the last few years we’ve had a trend of less alcohol impaired drivers … 
Crash Safety – A Visual History Lesson - Over the past decades we’ve seen huge reductions in fatalities from traffic crashes. Lots of factors account for the improvement: better laws, shifts in driver attitude and behavior on impaired driving, improved road design and major technological leaps in vehicle engineering. Take a look at what happens when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crashes a … 
BAC Calculator - A Blood Alcohol Concentration Calculator is a helpful tool for estimating BAC, but don’t rely on it for an accurate personal measurement. This calculator factors gender, weight and rate of consumption, but many other factors affect BAC and impairment: Age, fat/muscle content, metabolism, emotional state, medications, food, carbonated drinks, diabetes, alcohol intolerance and drinking history all influence … 
Risk Takers Live Longer (And Other Methods of Understanding Data) - I’m going to generalize here: for most people the car is the default mode of transportation. Congratulations to all of you who read that and thought, “Well, that’s not true for me.” That probably means walk or ride your bike (unless your default mode of transportation is boat or plane- In that case, congratulations on … Continue reading "Risk Takers Live Longer (And Other Methods of Understanding Data)"
Brake Lights and Regenerative Braking - Q: I’m seeing more electric cars on the road every day; I myself am the proud owner of one. One of my favorite aspects of driving electric is the regenerative braking, which allows me to slow down without using the brake pedal. Sometimes I am concerned about drivers behind me not paying enough attention to …
