interstates news stories on Newser

Feds Ban Texting by Truck, Bus Drivers

M. Morris — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:20:28 CST

Drivers of trucks and buses who text behind the wheel will be subject to thousands of dollars in fines, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today. The federal prohibition, which takes effect immediately, applies only to commercial vehicles. But distracted driving is one of LaHood's top issues, CNN reports. "This is...

4 Killed in Md. Highway Copter Crash

Rob Quinn — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:05:38 CDT

All four people on board were killed when a helicopter crashed into an interstate highway in western Maryland last night and burst into flames, AP reports. No cars were hit as the commercial helicopter smashed into the I-70. Witnesses say the helicopter appeared to be trying to land on the...

Next Recession Victim: Highway Rest Stops

Rob Quinn — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:00:02 CDT

The pit stops along American highways are starting to go the way of the Pony Express as states slash their budgets, the Wall Street Journal reports. Some states argue that the mushrooming of gas stations and motels at interstate exits make the rest stops obsolete, but American Automobile Association officials...

I-5 Reopens After Gruesome Pileup

Sam Gale Rosen — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:36:30 CDT

Some California I-5 lanes reopened today after Friday's massive 15-truck pileup, but police still haven't assessed blame for the blaze. One trucker phoned a friend after slamming into a semi in the tunnel, the Los Angeles Times reports; he described a fire, vehicles exploded and the line went dead. Police...

California Ranked Worst for Traffic

Dustin Lushing — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:03:18 CDT

California ranks No.1 in the US for interstate traffic jams, says a new study which focused on congestion around big cities. With traffic snarled on 83.3% of its urban roadways, the Golden State edged out runners-up Minnesota and New Jersey. Surprisingly, New York—gridlock central—only came in...