Tag Archives: Traffic

News, Technology

Cloudflare CEO Claims Twitter’s Traffic Is Declining

According to Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince, Twitter is experiencing a significant decrease in traffic. Meanwhile, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been using Threads, a rival platform, to poke fun at Tesla CEO Elon Musk and discuss the possibility of Threads replacing Twitter. Zuckerberg responded to a user’s analysis of Twitter’s monthly active users and its role as a public space by stating his belief in the potential for a town square app with over one billion users. He expressed surprise that Threads has gained traction in just a few days.

In response to speculation that Twitter has censored Threads, Zuckerberg simply replied with a concerned emoji followed by laughter. He has also expressed his desire for Threads to be a positive space with genuine interactions, in contrast to the anger and toxicity prevalent on Twitter.

A significant distinction between Threads and Instagram is that Threads has stricter content restrictions, similar to Instagram, while Twitter allows explicit content. Despite this, Threads seems determined to maintain its momentum and has already launched a beta program for Android. Additionally, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has confirmed that various features, including a chronological feed and a following feed, are currently being developed for Threads.

Motorsport

Traffic Deaths In US Decreased in Q1 2023, down Approximately 3.3%: Report

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) anticipates a reduction in traffic fatalities for the year 2023. According to their estimates, there were approximately 9,330 deaths in the first quarter, indicating a 3.3% decline compared to the same period in 2022. This marks the fourth consecutive quarterly decrease following seven quarters of increasing fatalities since the third quarter of 2020.

Despite a 2.6% rise in the number of miles driven by vehicles, the estimated fatality rate for the first quarter of 2023 decreased to 1.24 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles, down from the projected rate of 1.32 in 2022. Similar to 2022, where the NHTSA reported a drop from 1.37 fatalities per 100 vehicle miles in 2021, this decrease indicates a positive trend in traffic safety.

Pete Buttigieg, the United States Transportation Secretary, expressed optimism about the ongoing decline in traffic deaths, which have been steadily decreasing since the peak of the pandemic. He emphasized the necessity of sustained efforts to solidify and continue this positive trend.

Ann Carlson, the NHTSA Chief Counsel, recognized the progress made but highlighted the persisting problem of preventable crashes. She underscored the agency’s dedication to reducing traffic fatalities through various initiatives, including the advancement of new vehicle standards, investment in infrastructure and roadway safety, and collaboration with state and local partners to promote safe driving decisions.

To address the issue of traffic fatalities and severe injuries, the Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), which adopts a safe system approach focusing on safer roads, individuals, vehicles, speeds, and post-crash care. This strategy is supported by unprecedented safety funding through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program.

The DOT has also implemented several initiatives to enhance roadway safety, such as proposing changes for advanced pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), upgrades to the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) with the introduction of a Pedestrian Protection Program, and regulations related to rear impact guards. Additionally, the DOT is gathering more data on crashes involving automated driving systems and advanced driver assistance systems. It is also conducting Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessments and establishing work groups to issue reports and advance roadway design models.

A recent two-year investigation conducted by the US Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General revealed shortcomings in the NHTSA’s handling of recalls and safety investigations. The investigation highlighted inconsistencies in documenting information and completing preliminary investigations within the organization’s target timelines.

Motorsport

NHTSA Pushes for Auto Emergency Braking to Become Standard on Big Trucks and Buses

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently proposed a new rule that would require automatic emergency braking (AEB) on passenger vehicles. Now, the agency is expanding its reach by suggesting that the same rule apply to heavy-duty trucks and buses weighing over 10,000 pounds.

According to NHTSA estimates, this technology could save around 155 lives per year and prevent over 8,800 injuries. The agency’s data shows that approximately 60,000 heavy-duty vehicles are involved in rear-end crashes, and implementing this technology could potentially prevent more than 19,000 of these accidents annually.

Passenger vehicles would also benefit greatly from this technological advancement. NHTSA believes that requiring AEB on all passenger vehicles traveling at speeds up to 62 miles per hour could save a minimum of 340 lives each year and reduce injuries by 24,000.

A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2022 found that pickup trucks equipped with AEB had a 43% lower rate of causing rear-end collisions and a 42% reduction in related injuries. Interestingly, only 8% of registered pickups in 2021 came with AEB as a standard feature. However, several major automakers, including Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, now offer trucks with AEB systems as standard.

While technology like AEB undoubtedly saves lives and minimizes injuries, a separate study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also revealed that vehicles equipped with crash prevention technology, including AEB, can be more challenging to repair. The research found that approximately half of the surveyed individuals encountered issues with these features even after completing repairs, raising concerns about their reliability and potentially increasing repair costs over time.

If the proposal for both passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles is approved, it would take three years for the ruling to go into effect. However, NHTSA has not specified when a final decision will be made, so it may take several more years before customers see these changes implemented in new vehicles, regardless of size, as automakers continue to enhance standard safety features in their latest models.

Motorsport

Jeep Recalls Over 330,000 Grand Cherokees Due to Potential Spring Detachment

Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, be aware: a new recall has been issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a potentially dangerous issue. The recall focuses solely on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and affects 331,401 SUVs that were manufactured in 2021. The rear springs of the vehicles could detach and come off while driving, posing a significant risk to drivers and passengers.

The recall applies to both standard Grand Cherokee and stretched Grand Cherokee L models, but only to those without an air suspension system. Specifically, the recall (NHTSA ID 23V-413) cites 114,302 Grand Cherokees at possible risk, with the remaining 217,099 models being Grand Cherokee L. The production dates of the recall go back to December 5, 2020, on the L, encompassing the model years 2021 through 2023. Production dates are even more recent for the Grand Cherokee, starting on May 17, 2021, and going through 2022 and 2023 model years. The production period for both ends on May 31, 2023.