News

TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF DRIVER EDUCATION

New research shows that a positive approach works best to promote safe driving New drivers between the ages of 15 and 25 account for nearly half of the more than one million road deaths that occur worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization. Educational programs often use fear-based messaging and films of crash […]

PEOPLE BLAME A VEHICLE’S AUTOMATED SYSTEM MORE THAN ITS DRIVER WHEN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN

A new study looks at the public perception of blame and responsibility in semi-AV crashes Experts predict that autonomous vehicles (AVs) will eventually make our roads safer since the majority of accidents are caused by human error. However, it may be some time before people are ready to put their trust in a self-driving car. […]

NEW RESEARCH: MONITORING ONLINE POSTS BY CONSUMERS COULD HELP IMPROVE FOOD SAFETY

Computer scientists use text mining of online consumer reviews to identify foods that pose health risks An estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illness are contracted in the United States every year, causing about 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In some instances, the source is well known, such […]

Society for Risk Analysis Inducts Three Visionaries to the Pantheon of Risk Analysis

The Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) inducted Eula Bingham, Steve Rayner and Martin Weitzman to the Pantheon of Risk Analysis. The Pantheon, established in 2008, recognizes luminaries and visionaries in risk analysis and serves to illustrate how the field contributes to the advancement of knowledge and public good. Eula Bingham was a champion of setting […]

Two New Studies Offer Ways to Avert Accidents and Workplace Injuries for American Workers

Human error is a causal factor in up to 80 percent of workplace accidents. A new study measuring the eye movements and cognitive processes for at-risk workers, sheds new light on the potential to avert accidents and possibly prevent workplace injuries. The study “Measuring attention, working memory, and visual perception to reduce risk of injuries in the construction industry,” by […]

Drinking Water Significant Source of Microplastics in Human Diet

Emerging environmental contaminants, both chemicals and particulates, have been a concern for risk scientists for many years. Methods for reducing health and environmental risks from particles are still evolving. Micro/nanoplastic particles are one environmental contaminant that has recently received research and media attention, and scientists are only beginning to study their potential for adverse environmental and […]

Society for Risk Analysis Announces its New 2021 Council

Herndon, Va. (Dec. 17, 2020) – During its virtual Annual Meeting, the Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) announced the addition of five new Council members and the rise of Robyn Wilson Ph.D., Ohio State University, as the new President of its 2021 Council. Wilson succeeds Seth Guikema, Ph.D., Michigan State University, who has completed his term and will continue to serve on the Council as past-president.   Other officers elected include Ragnar Löfstedt, Ph.D., Kings College London, as president-elect, and Amanda Boyd, […]

Fourteen Honored by Society for Risk Analysis

Over the course of its virtual Annual Meeting, the Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) awarded six prestigious scholarly and service awards and named seven new Fellows. These awards recognize 14 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the society and to the science of risk analysis. The recipients were nominated by their peers, selected by a […]

Who’s to Blame? How the Media Has Shaped Public Understanding of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. has been characterized by rapidly changing information, a high degree of uncertainty, and conflicting information about transmission, vulnerability and mitigation methods. Several studies focused on public perceptions of the pandemic and the impact of media will be presented during two sessions on December 15, from 2:30-4:00 during the Society for Risk Analysis virtual Annual Meeting, December 13-17, 2020.   In the first of a pair of […]

Beyond the Illness: How COVID-19 is Negatively Impacting Those Who are not Infected

The pandemic has impacted farmers, children, plant workers and even office workers in unique ways that go beyond physical illness. Several studies that explore these individualized effects will be presented during the Individual Impacts of Global Pandemic Risks session and the COVID-19: Risk Communication and Social Dynamics of Transmission and Vulnerability symposia, both from 2:30-4:00 p.m. ET on December 15, at […]