Recently, Uber announced plans to use new technology to create flying cars which will be ready for demonstration by 2020. Rather than picturing a car from a science fiction story, imagine a vehicle that looks more like a helicopter. In fact, Uber is calling them “vertical takeoff and landing aircraft”. Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas were selected as the company’s first United States partner cities. Listen to an aviation engineer from Uber explain this new technology.
Story Length: 4:13
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September 9, 2016
2:28
Driving after dark is more dangerous than driving during the day, especially for teens who don’t have a lot of experience. A recent study found that most crashes happened before midnight, but states that restrict teen driving don’t start until midnight, which is too late to make a big difference. Listen to hear ideas about setting regulations for teens who are learning to drive, and debate whether you think teenagers should be allowed to drive after dark.
Read MoreApril 19, 2016
3:52
According to a new study, fewer and fewer Americans are getting their driver’s licenses and owning cars. This has been a young adult trend for a long time, but now older adults are driving less, too. People across age groups cite a variety of reasons for choosing other modes of transportation, especially in cities that offer public transportation and have ridesharing services. Listen to the story to hear more about why people are choosing not to drive and opting to get around in other ways instead.
Read MoreAugust 13, 2015
6:06
Self driving cars are on the roads in some cities and could be coming to a highway near you. General Motors is only 5-10 years away from offering a self-driving car to the general public. But drivers are thinking about their privacy and safety as this new hands-free driving technology becomes available. Two hackers were recently able to remotely take control of a Jeep, which highlights concerns about cybersecurity. Listen to hear about the new automated technologies and the steps car companies are taking to ensure their customers are safe and secure.
Read MoreDecember 9, 2014
6:00
Most streets in the United States were designed for cars, not for people riding bicycles or walking. In densely populated cities this has meant that people are forced to live on streets where they don’t feel safe walking and cycling. A new movement, called “complete streets,” pushes cities to design streets to fit the needs of all the people who use it, not just people in cars. Listen to learn how this “complete streets” movement is being put into effect in cities across the country.
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