Car safety Coverage

Teens learn defensive driving techniques at free training session

According to the CDC, teen drivers between 16 years old and 19 years old are three times more likely to be involved in a car crash, as compared drivers 20 years and older. One group in Raleigh set out to change those numbers.

Fourth traffic light proposed for self-driving cars to improve traffic flow

North Carolina State University researchers conducted a study that found adding a fourth light to improve traffic flow at intersections. It also involves self-driving cars.

Shelle Jackson, WRAL reporter

Fourth traffic light could improve travel time for drivers and pedestrians, NC State study shows

North Carolina State University researchers conducted a study that would add a fourth light to improve traffic flow at intersections, involving self-driving cars.

Durham residents ask for safer streets, more sidewalks during budget discussion

The city is currently adding 2.5 miles of sidewalks per year, but it will take about 170 years to build all the sidewalks needed, public documents show.

Durham needs better sidewalks. All the projects would take more than 100 years.

The city is currently adding 2.5 miles of sidewalks per year, but it will take about 170 years to build all the sidewalks needed, public documents show.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

NC's 'Booze It and Lose It' campaign gets revamp to fight drunk driving

The campaign recently tried using continuous alcohol monitoring (CAM) ankle bracelets after arrests on repeat offenders in seven western counties in North Carolina.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

New crash research shows guardrails may not stand up to heavier cars

America's cars are getting bigger and heavier -- and new crash test research suggests the nation's guardrails may not be keeping up.

Durham to prioritize sidewalks, crosswalks and signage in $2.5 million for improvements

More than 12,000 people voted on how to allocate $2.4 million to projects around Durham. Almost $1 million will go toward improving the sidewalks, adding crosswalks and signage.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

Federal government banning humorous electronic messages on highways

Humorous and quirky messages on electronic signs will soon disappear from highways and freeways across the country.

Guardrails in NC could kill you, safety advocate says

Steve Eimers, the father of a 17-year-old girl killed in a guardrail crash in Tennessee, has dedicated his life to preventing similar tragedies by finding damaged, improperly installed, and functionally deficient guardrails.

Sarah Krueger, WRAL investigative reporter

WRAL Investigates guardrails that could kill you

Guardrails meant to protect could kill you! WRAL Investigates claims of more than two dozen dangerous areas found on North Carolina roads.

How coats and child car seats can safely coexist

The experts at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center found ways to safely combine coats and child car seats.

4 popular pickup trucks fall short on latest safety test

Four large pickups offer strong protection in side crashes but fall short when it comes to protecting passengers in the back seat.

Drivers beware: It's mating season for deer

The onset of cooler weather means it's mating season for deer, and AAA is cautioning drivers to stay aware.

Consumer Reports shares the best infant car seats on any budget

New parents face a slew of purchases as they welcome a new baby, but perhaps none are as important as an infant car seat.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Some new minivans spinning their wheels when it comes to passenger safety

The Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Carnival, and Toyota Sienna are rated marginal, while the Honda Odyssey is rated poor.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Some newer-model popular minivans don't measure up to safety standards

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave several new minivans poor ratings for passenger safety.

120 Steering wheel locks donated to Durham police to prevent car thefts

Hyundai donates steering wheel locks to deter car thefts in Durham.

WRAL Staff

Bill aims to reduce 'frontover' crashes in which children are disproportionately the victims

As pickup trucks and large SUVs grow in size, so does the risk to people around them. Consumer Reports demonstrates how big these blind zones can be and how we can help to protect our families.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Car seats recalled after testing shows base can fail in a crash

5 On Your Side has a warning to parents about car seats that could fail in a crash. Testing found that the buckles anchoring the base to the seat in a crash can detach.

Pritchard Strong, WRAL consumer producer

Load legs give child car seats an added safety feature

In the case of load legs--a clever feature originally from Europe that gives car seats extra support by extending a "leg" from the car seat base to the car floor.

New car seat feature could be gamechanger for preventing injuries

Car seat technology has improved dramatically since car seats were first introduced decades ago. And Consumer Reports says its tests show that one safety innovation could significantly cut the risk of head injuries.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

5 On Your Side: Consumer Reports top car buys for 2023

Car shopping can be a hassle. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur says Consumer is making it easy with a look at the top rated cars, trucks and SUVs for 2023.

Don't drink and drive this New Year's Eve

There are 71% more crashes involving alcohol and drugs in the 12-hour period straddling New Year's Eve than the average weekend night, according to SafeAuto.com.

How to stay safe on the roadways during New Year's Eve celebrations

There are 71% more crashes involving alcohol and drugs in the 12-hour period straddling New Year's Eve than the average weekend night, according to SafeAuto.com.

Liz McLauglin, WRAL climate change reporter