Science Cafe' at Cook Library: Experience the Dangers of Texting and Driving

News item published on: 2018-08-21 14:31:16

Science Café at Cook Library will present “Experience the Dangers of Texting While Driving” on September 24 at 6 p.m. in Cook Library 123.

Dr. Yuanyuan Zhang, research professor in the University’s Center for Logistics, Trade and Transportation, will discuss her research on traffic safety, especially distracted driving. Her research topics and interests include machine learning application in transportation studies, transportation and economic development, transportation planning and management, transportation safety, roadway network analysis, and pedestrian and bicycle related studies.

Attendees will be able to safely experience the hazards of texting and other distractions behind the wheel in a simulator that will be provided by the Mississippi Department of Transportation. In 2016, Mississippi averaged 23.1 deaths per 100,000 people due to car crashes, ranking it as the deadliest state in that category, according to a study examining the effects of distracted driving.

Faculty and students from The University of Southern Mississippi, as well as local professionals and experts, share their perspectives and allow participants to get to know the face behind the science in a relaxed and informal setting. Science Cafés are free and open to the public. No science background is assumed or required.

For more information, contact Tracy Englert, Science, Nursing, and Health Librarian, at 601.266.6396 or Tracy.Englert@usm.edu.