Center for Transportation Safety (CTS) researchers were tasked with evaluating the effects one rear license plate versus two license plates on vehicles have on the ability of law enforcement, tolling agencies and border patrol to identify vehicles and monitor traffic safety activities. Researchers examined multiple states — two states that require one license plate and three states that require two license plates — through interviews with … [Read more...]
A closer look: Evaluation of Administrative License Revocation process in Texas
September 4, 2012 -
In this effort, Center for Transportation Safety (CTS) staff worked to identify the strengths and opportunities for improvement within the current Texas Administrative License Revocation system (ALR). Researchers determined the effect of ALR on deterrence of impaired driving; the deployment of the program is intended to change the behavior of the public based on the expectation that they will lose their driver license if caught for driving … [Read more...]
Changes in CTS leadership — Mounce retires, Wunderlich takes reins
August 30, 2012 -
Robert Wunderlich has been named the acting director for the Center for Transportation Safety (CTS) at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI). Wunderlich is taking over for John Mounce who retired in August. Mounce’s career in transportation engineering spans more than three decades. In that time he authored numerous research studies, served as a lecturer at Texas A&M University and a professor at Montana State University, and … [Read more...]
Safe Summer Driving Tips
July 6, 2012 -
As Texans take off across our roadways over the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) would like to pass along a few helpful tips to ensure safe travels. Prevention and planning are much easier than dealing with the consequences of a breakdown or, worse yet, a highway crash. Review a Vehicle Safety Checklist Regular maintenance such as tune-ups, oil … [Read more...]
United Arab Emirates project addresses crash investigation and reporting
June 28, 2012 -
Despite the vastly different cultures between the United Arab Emirates and the United States, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is finalizing a nine-month contract agreement with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s Center for Transportation Safety (CTS). The project will center on crash investigation and post-crash site inspection and analysis. “The United Arab Emirates, and especially the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has an extremely high … [Read more...]
“Senator Safety” Honored at Annual TTI Safety Conference
June 18, 2012 -
State Senator Steve Ogden was recently honored jointly by the three state agencies most involved in realizing his vision for enhancing roadway safety in Texas. The recognition came in response to Ogden’s keynote address at the annual Texas Traffic Safety Conference in San Antonio on June 5. “Mention the name ‘Senator Safety’ to just about anyone in or around the state capitol, and chances are, they’ll know exactly who you’re … [Read more...]
Safer Roads, More Work Highlighted at 2012 Traffic Safety Conference
June 12, 2012 -
With the theme of improving safety on highways in Texas and across the nation, the leader of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the retiring state legislator known as “Senator Safety” were featured speakers for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s (TTI’s) 4th annual Statewide Traffic Safety Conference, June 4-6, in San Antonio. David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator, told the group of more than 200 … [Read more...]
Study makes strong case for wider edge line markings on rural highways
May 31, 2012 -
A recent study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute provides the most compelling evidence yet that wider paint lines on roadway shoulders (commonly called edge lines) are a cost-effective, statistically sound approach to reducing crashes and fatalities on rural two-lane highways. The study, entitled “An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Wider Edge Line Pavement Markings,” was sponsored by the American Glass … [Read more...]
Prominent Speakers Part of Statewide Traffic Safety Conference
May 14, 2012 -
With speakers that include the administrator of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the retiring state legislator known by many as “Senator Safety,” the 2012 Statewide Traffic Safety Conference in San Antonio June 4–6 is expected to be well attended. “We are honored that NHTSA Administrator David Strickland and State Sen. Steve Ogden will be our main speakers this year,” Center for Transportation … [Read more...]
Visibility Research Lab shines light on driving dangers
April 30, 2012 -
When you drive at night, you are three times more likely to die in an automobile crash compared to driving during daylight hours. It’s a fact for all age groups, but it’s especially true for teenagers and the elderly. Inexperience and slower reaction times behind the wheel are contributing factors, but one of the main problems associated with nighttime dangers involves changes in our vision. “When the sun goes down, we all have a harder … [Read more...]
