Researchers: Russell Henk, P.E., Val Pezoldt and Bernie Fette Sponsor: Center for Transportation Safety The number of drivers involved in nighttime fatal crashes nationwide has increased over the past decade, even as crash fatalities overall have declined during the same period. While the number has been climbing for drivers of all ages, the increase has been sharper for teenage drivers than for those age 20 and older. Findings from this … [Read more...]
Increasing nighttime seat belt use
September 14, 2011 -
Researcher: Katie Womack Sponsor: Texas Department of Transportation Seat belt use among crash victims is generally lower at night than during daytime. To estimate use levels among nighttime drivers and passengers, CTS researchers undertook surveys in 10 Texas cities where Click It Or Ticket (CIOT) mobilizations were conducted during 2010. Estimates of restraint use before, during, and after the campaign were compared, demonstrating that … [Read more...]
Documenting methods and technologies for detecting and testing for drugs in drivers
September 9, 2011 -
Researcher: Melissa Walden, Ph.D., P.E. Sponsor: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration The project reviewed the literature related to the methods and technologies for detecting and testing for drugs in drivers. In addition to providing a general overview of the impaired driving detection, assessment, testing, and adjudication processes, the documentation included the specific contributions that the law enforcement officers and … [Read more...]
Evaluating highway safety improvement program projects to assess crash reduction benefits
September 2, 2011 -
Researcher: John Mounce, Ph. D., P.E. Sponsor: Texas Department of Transportation CTS researchers assisted TxDOT in evaluating safety improvement projects funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program. This included the assessment of safety benefits, crash reduction as well as verification and modification of crash reduction factors associated with individual safety improvement projects. Key efforts examined: Crash Types and … [Read more...]
Interlocks, checkpoints, other DWI issues attract interest of legislators
March 14, 2011 -
Numerous bills filed in the 82nd Session of the Texas Legislature are focused on a wide range of issues related to impaired driving. In response to requests from legislators and their staffs, researchers at the Center for Transportation Safety have prepared a series of briefing documents to provide better understanding of some of those issues, including: An examination of the scope of the impaired-driving problem in Texas including, how best … [Read more...]
Join us for the 2011 Traffic Safety Conference
January 12, 2011 -
We're all in this together. Effective traffic safety solutions require collaboration by professionals representing diverse backgrounds and interests. Make plans now to join experts statewide who are committed to finding those solutions. Austin, Texas March 21-23, 2011 Austin Airport Hilton … [Read more...]
Increasing nighttime seat belt use
November 8, 2010 -
Nighttime seat belt use among crash victims is generally lower at night than during daytime. To better understand actual usage levels, CTS researchers conducted surveys in the 10 cities where Click It or Ticket (CIOT) mobilizations were implemented during 2009. Changes in restraint use before, during, and after the campaign were compared, demonstrating that a publicized nighttime enforcement period was successful. A final report documented … [Read more...]
Lane Assignment for Intersections with Turn Lanes
October 6, 2010 -
In order to assess driver assumptions about lane assignments on frontage roads approaching interchanges and complex intersections, TTI researchers conducted a literature review, practitioner survey, focus groups, driver computer-based survey, and finally a field test. Safety Center researchers' contribution to the project primarily was the design and completion of the focus groups and computer-based surveys. Both studies focused on determining … [Read more...]
Nighttime Seat Belt Use Shows Wide Variance in Statewide Study
July 21, 2010 -
The 2009 survey of child restraint use, conducted in 14 Texas cities, revealed that 86.4 percent of the 13,575 children observed were restrained in a child safety seat or vehicle safety belt in some manner. Of those who were observed restrained in some manner, observers identified 20 percent in child safety seats used or installed incorrectly, and an additional 7.6 percent using a vehicle belt system incorrectly. The remaining 13.6 percent of … [Read more...]
