An enlightening dive into the logistics behind America’s addiction to speeding. One highlight was the mention of the 85th percentile rule: an archaic principle used to help determine speed limits, wherein the speed limit is set through observation of how quickly 85% of motorists travel on that road under a free-flow environment. Although it doesn’t take a doctorate in mathematics to see the flaws in this methodology, it is based on a sound assumption: “drivers respond to the road they are given”. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
