Author: Peggy Smedley
Peggy Smedley and Mehri Mohebbi, program director, Transportation Equity Program, University of Florida Transportation Institute, discuss distracted driving risk from an equity perspective, sharing which populations are at the most risk for injuries. She says generally the numbers at the federal level hid the sharp local spike, and in low-income corridors, phone-related crashes cluster 40% above the metro average. They also discuss: Two specific examples of roadway design and how it can help us. The importance of training programs/exercises and audits. Key lessons learned and going to the next level. transportation.institute.ufl.edu (4/29/25 – 918) What You Might Have Missed: Breaking…
The world has gone from 9.1% in circularity to 8.6% in 2020—meaning we are moving backwards. Going circular has the potential to open $4.5 trillion in value, according to the World Business Council’s Sustainable Development report. The European Union is taking steps to become more circular—and it could have an impact on manufacturing companies all around the globe. Launched in late 2019, the European Green Deal is changing the European Union, with a set of proposals to make climate, energy, transport, and taxation policies for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels,…
Here at Connected World, we have been covering a number of medical breakthroughs and research happening in university and healthcare systems. At first glance, it is all very exciting, opening new opportunities for improved patient care at levels. But like all advancements, there are still mounting concerns about data security that have yet to be fully addressed. The biggest question of the day is: Are medical devices secure? Certainly, with all the bad actors in the world there is no way to confidently say our medical devices and our systems have the ability to fend off nefarious attacks. All data…
Peggy talks about what the insurance companies and other organizations have to say about the impact of distracted driving on auto insurance. She says it is not very consistent across the board, with different states taking different actions and different insurance companies having different tools and resources available. She also discusses: The total estimated cost of all motor vehicle crashes in the United States—and how much distracted driving accounts for. The rules surrounding texting and driving from state to state, with a closer look at one state as an example. What the insurance companies are saying and doing about distracted…
Peggy Smedley and Paul Atchley, professor, Dept. of Psychology, University of South Florida, talk about some of the latest news on traffic statistics and the role distracted driving is playing in these numbers. He says the statistics change year over year, but the trends have not been positive. They also discuss: Why people continue to engage in these behaviors even though they will tell you these behaviors are very risky. Distracted driving trends by region during the pandemic and what happens after fatal accidents occur. Examples of safety records of companies that prohibit drivers from using their phones while driving—and…
Peggy Smedley and Dan McGehee, professor of engineering, medicine, public health and director of the Driving Safety Research Institute, University of Iowa, talk about distracted driving research. He says it is an important thing more than ever. They also discuss: The history of distracted driving in vehicles. The physiological changes that happen with smartphones. The most dangerous type of distraction and who is ultimately responsible. dsri.uiowa.edu (4/22/25 – 917) What You Might Have Missed: The Reality of Distracted Driving in 2025 Reducing Distraction The State of Distracted Driving IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data,…
Welcome to National Work Zone Awareness Week, which takes place from April 21-25, 2025, with partnerships between state departments of transportation, national road safety organizations, government agencies, private companies, and individuals. The objective is to encourage drivers to use extra caution in work zones, but it is also an opportunity for construction professionals to identify risks and come up with safety strategies. Let’s spend some time looking at the real risks in today’s work zones, and how to mitigate them. The Dangers on the Road According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, a project of the American Road…
Today’s workplace is an interesting place. We are in the middle of a workforce evolution that is transforming what we are all calling the future of work. And, yet there are still operational inefficiencies that exist at many levels of the organization. For the purpose of our discussion today, AI (artificial intelligence) can certainly step in and help, right? The Importance of People Eagle Hill Consulting recently conducted a survey and found 68% of employees say much of their time is spent on low-value inefficient tasks. Okay, let’s be honest, that is wasted time spent on things that could be…
The market is changing! Peggy talks about everything we need to know for supply chains. She says we must make, build, and grow together, while also innovating and considering how the next generation will lead the way. She also discusses: A historical perspective. Present-day data. How supply chains can prepare for a stronger tomorrow. peggysmedleyshow.com (4/15/25 – 916) What You Might Have Missed: The Impact of Tariffs on Construction Insights on Home and Material Costs Steel: A More Resilient Future IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, 5G, cloud, sustainability, future…
Peggy Smedley and Despina Stavrinos, director, Institute for Social Science Research, chief human factors research and development officer, Alabama Transportation Institute and professor of psychology, The University of Alabama, unpack the science behind distracted driving. She says when we look at the number 1 contributing factor to distracted driving, it is driver behavior. They also discuss: The research done in the TRIP (translational research injury prevention) lab. How simulators can understand what drivers are doing and thinking. Why texting is one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving. ati.ua.edu issr.ua.edu (4/15/25 – 916) What You Might Have…