A new study of COVID-era car crashes finds that a shocking 27% of all drivers were using their cell phones within 60 seconds of impact — and transportation safety leaders are doing almost nothing to stop it, despite a preponderance of proven strategies that can compel us to put down our devices when we’re behind the wheel.
American households are changing, but our housing supply isn’t catching up with the times. Is Pete Buttigieg a good pick for Transportation Secretary? What the future of parking spaces could look like, and more in this week’s National links.
The US Senate is set to vote today on a bill that could offer some financial relief for WMATA, a move that could stave off some of the most drastic cuts planned for the system. Estimates show the money would help plug holes in this year’s budget and contribute toward the next, but is unlikely to completely fill next year’s $500 million pandemic gap. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
DC is the latest jurisdiction in the region to restrict restaurants to slow the spread of COVID-19, shutting down indoor dining for three weeks. Meanwhile, restaurants in Maryland are suing Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and Baltimore City to try to roll back restrictions. (Laura Hayes / City Paper, Post, Post)
An Alexandria report details the contentuous history between the Civil Rights movement and the city’s historic preservation efforts, as preservation often conflicted with affordable housing in Black neighborhoods. (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)
The family of Antoine Lamont Pierce, 35, held a vigil Saturday after he was killed December 12 while driving near the intersection of 21st Street and Benning Road with his infant son in the car. The incident is the latest to highlight the impact of violence on children in the District. (Katie Mettler / Post)
Residents and city leaders are concerned about an Army proposal to restrict some of the waters around Fort McNair to “protect military assets,” saying the move could hurt the Wharf commercially. (Luz Lazo / Post)
The organization Pathways to Housing DC is trying to get two dozen people living in shelters or on the street into homes before Christmas. The pandemic makes the goal more urgent but creates additional obstacles to achieving it. (Theresa Vargas / Post)
