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The state put the first diverging diamond at a notoriously traffic-clogged intersection in Springfield where it could often take as long as 20 minutes to make a left turn.

The state put the first diverging diamond at a notoriously traffic-clogged intersection in Springfield where it could often take as long as 20 minutes to make a left turn. Whitney Shefte for NPR hide caption

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Whitney Shefte for NPR

National

When driving on the wrong side of the road is the right way to speed up traffic

An unconventional design known as the diverging diamond interchange can be both safer and more efficient than conventional left turn lanes. Road planners across the country are switching sides.

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse? Here's what to know

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred. AFP Contributor/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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AFP Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse? Here's what to know

Experts say you should gas up before you go, and plan to stay for a while afterward.

'Tragic': Driving Was Down In 2020, But Traffic Fatality Rates Surged

A man crosses a nearly empty street in San Francisco, on March 17, 2020. Despite a reduction in driving last year, road fatalities increased, according to the National Safety Council. Jeff Chiu/AP hide caption

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Jeff Chiu/AP

Health

'Tragic': Driving Was Down In 2020, But Traffic Fatality Rates Surged

A report estimates that traffic deaths rose 8% last year compared to 2019. When measured by number of miles driven, fatalities surged by 24%, the highest in nearly a century.

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