Good Ideas Ideas

Security concerns are overblown (and walking might actually be safer). http://ow.ly/qevz

Why is there so much attention about auto safety and manufacturer recalls when nearly all accidents are caused by human error? Shouldn't we worry more about that? NY Times http://nyti.ms/a5387k

Can we encourage kids to use seatbelts by incorporating or enabling videogames only when the seatbelt is attached? Finalist in The Fun Theory Awards. http://bit.ly/9sKUTK

Will more people sit quietly at a red light if you provide user-generated fun fact? Finalist idea in The Fun Theory contest http://bit.ly/9aTVnY

American Exit signs are red and say "exit". Signs in most other parts of the world are green and show a man running - which is much clearer. Slate http://bit.ly/axO6Ei

Harvard scientists have designed a wand which produces an electric field and extinguishes flames. Time invention of year 2011 http://ti.me/15Fo2Ch

Georgetown University professors ran an experiment placing stickers in Kenyan microbuses encouraging passengers to complain if drivers are being reckless. Insurance claims dropped 60% compared to a control group. Foreign Policy http://atfp.co/1a8jk4Q

Traffic fatalities and injuries involve over 50 million people per year, costing over $500 billion per year. What are the most cost effective interventions (hint: motorbike safety training in schools...). McKinsey http://bit.ly/14yRj56

Recent studies suggest a staggering 440,000 deaths per year -- about one sixth of all deaths -- are caused by hospital errors. Choosing safe hospitals is vital. NY Times http://nyti.ms/193bb0v

1.2 million annual deaths (and growing quickly) makes road safety more deadly than TB or Malaria. It mostly effects young, working age males. Using a few percent of road project expenditures on safety would make a huge difference. Economist http://econ.st/1cdT5uw

New federal regulations may require that all new cars have the ability to communicate with other cars in order to avoid collisions. Wired http://wrd.cm/1eOp0hZ

New York City is trying to copy Sweden's "no more road deaths" approach to road safety. NY Times http://nyti.ms/1oohTX6