Community Safety

Washington – A total of 37,461 people died in motor vehicle-related crashes in 2016 – a 5.6 percent increase and the second straight year fatalities have risen, according to "Traffic Safety Facts," a publication of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Boston – Older teens’ confidence in their driving ability is dangerously at odds with reality, suggests a new study commissioned by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions.

Atlanta – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a campaign intended to help reduce opioid-related overdose deaths.

Halifax, Nova Scotia – A sedentary lifestyle puts frail older adults at a higher risk of death than it does for younger people who have similar levels of inactivity, according to a study from Dalhousie University and University College London.

Arlington, VA – Lane departure warnings and blind spot detection technologies are helping to prevent motor vehicle crashes and related injuries, according to new research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Darien, IL – Young adults who binge watch TV typically get poor sleep and, as a result, experience fatigue and insomnia, according to an American Academy of Sleep Medicine study.

London – Older adults who take care of man’s best friend tend to be more active, a study conducted by British researchers has found.

New York – The American Lung Association has launched a public education campaign to promote what it calls a “groundbreaking” test that can help detect lung cancer in its early stages.

Clemson, SC – Wishing against the spread of germs might sound like a buzzkill, but a recent study from Clemson University suggests it could be practical for people who enjoy birthday cake.

Stanford, CA – People who consider themselves less active than others in their age group – even if that perception isn’t accurate – are more likely to die younger than their peers who consider themselves more active, according to a study from Stanford University.