Motorcycle Safety

The lack of safety gear worn by motorcyclists — helmets and protective clothing — is a contributing factor in the high rate of Texas fatalities and injuries. Researchers with CTS are developing a motorcycle safety equipment use campaign devoted to providing education and awareness about selecting and using safety gear. Researchers will also develop an outreach program after determining why some motorcyclists choose not to use safety equipment and what messages might change their minds.

Impaired Driving

Headed up by CTS, the Statewide Impaired Driving Task Force was formed in 2012 to provide a comprehensive strategy for preventing and reducing impaired driving behavior. Members of the task force include researchers, educators, law enforcement, prosecutors, adjudicators and advocacy groups. Together, the members are developing an impaired driving plan for the state. The task force meets twice a year and provides insight and guidance to TxDOT’s alcohol and other drug countermeasures program.

Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS)

As part of a multi-year project that helps law enforcement officers reduce crime rates in their community by targeting areas that have a high traffic crash rate, CTS researchers are now assisting the Texas Department of Public Safety. The center is analyzing crash data on the entire roadway system to locate which segments have the highest number of crashes, why crashes are happening, and at what time of year they are happening. Researchers are continuing to conduct DDACTS’s train-the-trainer workshops, helping law officers teach others about the system. Many communities credit their DDACTS program for dramatically lowering crime rates.