Status Report 2001

Large truck crashes have declined per mile but not per capita

Allowing younger truck drivers isn't a good idea, even on a trial basis

'Click It or Ticket' expands to seven states beyond North Carolina

Female drivers' fatal crashes have increased, but only because women are driving much more than they used to

Head restraints are improving; geometry is better, and some cars have advanced head restraint designs

Head restraint ratings are based on height and backset; for the time being, active designs automatically earn top ratings

New sled is being acquired at the Institute's Vehicle Research Center to test head restraints and other components

Seniors don't crash more, but they're more likely to die from crash injuries

Changes at intersections might help seniors

Vehicle design changes might keep seniors in cars longer, safer

Alternative ways of getting about might help older people

Screening tests aren't sensitive enough to distinguish the drivers who will crash from those who won't

Sobriety checkpoints aren't frequent except in a few states

Awareness of zero tolerance laws is limited among young drivers

Improving detection of impaired drivers is first step to reducing DWI

Parents and many teens in California favor graduated licensing law

0.08 percent blood-alcohol limit for impaired driving reduces crash deaths, federal review concludes

Special issue: what works and doesn't work to improve highway safety

Red light camera enforcement reduces crashes, not just violations

Public supports red light cameras, but legal barriers impede use

Restricting right turn on red reduces crash risk, especially for pedestrians

Proposed head restraint rule would ensure better restraint geometry

Head restraint evaluation procedures, both static and dynamic, are being refined for international use

Changing the timing of traffic signals is found to reduce crashes

First few months of driving unsupervised are the most hazardous.

Kentucky, Michigan, and North Carolina post lower crash rates among new drivers after adopting graduated licensing

Rural versus urban debate about graduated licensing

First child restraint attachments offered under new federal requirements don't necessarily secure seats snugly

Teen passengers increase the risk associated with young beginning drivers

Special issue: head protection in side impacts

You could survive a severe crash because of new technology

Side impact crashes with fatal head injuries when intruding vehicles struck occupants heads show need for side airbags with head protection

New crash test barrier is key to improving side impact protection

2001 models with side airbag head protection