A section of National Highway 317 in Sichuan collapsed due to a mountain slope failure, but no casualties were reported thanks to timely emergency measures and traffic control; the highway remains closed with detours in place.
MIT researchers have developed a more efficient algorithm for training AI agents using reinforcement learning, which strategically selects tasks to improve overall performance while reducing training costs. This method, called Model-Based Transfer Learning (MBTL), enhances the reliability of AI systems in complex tasks like traffic control by focusing on key tasks that maximize performance. The approach is significantly more efficient than traditional methods, offering a 5 to 50 times improvement in training efficiency, and holds potential for application in real-world mobility systems.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has issued a new manual banning humorous and quirky messages on electronic highway signs, citing potential misunderstandings and distractions for drivers. States have two years to implement the changes, which aim to prioritize simple, direct, and important information such as warnings for crashes, adverse weather, and traffic delays. This decision will phase out popular funny messages seen on signs in various states, sparking debate over federal government intervention and the role of humor in promoting safe driving.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has mandated the removal of humorous and quirky messages from electronic highway signs by 2026, citing potential driver distraction and misunderstanding. States have been given two years to comply with the new regulations, which emphasize the use of signs for important information such as warnings about crashes, adverse weather, and traffic delays. This decision will impact popular and humorous messages displayed on electronic signs in various states, sparking debate over federal government intervention and the role of humor in promoting safe driving.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has mandated a ban on humorous and quirky electronic messages on highways by 2026, citing potential misunderstandings and distractions for drivers. States have been given two years to implement the changes outlined in a new 1,100-page manual, with the focus on using signs for important information such as warnings about crashes, adverse weather, and traffic delays. This decision will impact popular and creative messages displayed on electronic signs in states like Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Arizona, where the use of humor has been embraced. Arizona, for example, has held a contest for the funniest messages for the past seven years, drawing thousands of entries. Some state officials are critical of the federal government's intervention, questioning the need for such regulation.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has mandated the removal of humorous and quirky messages from electronic highway signs by 2026, citing potential driver distraction and misunderstanding. States have been given two years to comply with the new regulations, which emphasize the use of signs for important information such as warnings about crashes, adverse weather, and traffic delays. This decision will impact popular and humorous messages displayed on highway signs in various states, including Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Arizona, where the use of funny messages has been a tradition.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has mandated the removal of humorous and quirky electronic messages from highways and freeways by 2026, citing concerns about potential driver distraction and misunderstanding. States have been given two years to comply with the new regulations, which emphasize the use of signs for conveying important information such as warnings about crashes, adverse weather, and traffic delays. This decision will impact popular humorous messages displayed on electronic signs in various states, prompting criticism from some officials who argue for state autonomy in determining signage content.
An 8-year-old boy in second grade was critically injured after being hit by a Jefferson County Public School bus near his school in Louisville, Kentucky. The incident occurred at an intersection in front of Luhr Elementary School, and preliminary information suggests the boy may have darted in front of the bus. The bus was empty at the time, and the boy was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, including two broken legs. The absence of a traffic guard due to bereavement is being investigated by the police.
Multiple first responder agencies, including the Jackson Fire Department, Byram and Hinds County fire departments, and the Mississippi Forestry Commission, are on the scene of a 3-acre fire at the Old Parham Bridges Park in Mississippi. The abandoned park, which has a lot of debris, is being controlled with the help of a bulldozer. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
A Pelham police officer, Elizabeth Minter, was seriously injured when she was hit by an impaired driver during a wrong-way traffic crash on Interstate 65 in Alabama. Officer Minter, along with other officers, was handling traffic control when the driver ignored warnings and struck her at a high rate of speed. She was thrown several feet and suffered numerous injuries. The driver, who was under the influence, hit two other vehicles prior to hitting Officer Minter. The incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the need for caution on the roads, especially during holiday weekends. A fund has been set up to support Officer Minter's medical expenses, and a GoFundMe page has been established by her family.
A Tesla on autopilot crashed into a parked work truck on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, with no injuries reported. The driver of the Tesla was cited with careless driving. In February, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalled nearly 363,000 Tesla models due to issues with their self-driving beta software.
The Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles Convent in Gower, Missouri, recently exhumed the remains of their founder, Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, whose body appears to be incorrupt. The public will be able to view the body until May 29, and with an expected 10,000-15,000 visitors per day over the holiday weekend, the Clinton County Sheriff's office is encouraging non-attendees to stay off nearby roads and expect significant delays.
The Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles Convent in Gower, Missouri, recently exhumed the remains of their founder, Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, whose body appears to be incorrupt. The public will be able to view the body until May 29, and with an expected 10,000-15,000 visitors per day over the holiday weekend, the Clinton County Sheriff's office is encouraging non-attendees to stay off nearby roads and expect significant delays.
Denver Police have implemented a plan to control traffic on Federal Boulevard during the Cinco de Mayo weekend, reducing the boulevard to one lane in both directions between 6th Avenue and West Evans Avenue. The police will also crack down on loud stereos and excessive horn honking, and will block and divert traffic from neighborhood streets if necessary. The Impalas Car Club's Denver chapter plans to follow the rules and be good role models. Extra patrols will be on hand to keep the traditional "cruising" in check.
Kansas City airport officials have issued 146 parking tickets since the new KCI terminal opened, with drivers idling at the curb with the driver at the wheel being a particular issue. With the NFL Draft expected to bring a significant increase in private jet operations, the airport is preparing for increased traffic and has approved overtime for police and traffic control officers during the event. KCI officials have also added temporary signage and encourage drivers to use the cell phone lot to avoid driving in circles.