Researchers: Russell Henk, P.E. and Bernie Fette

Sponsor: Texas Department of Transportation
Partner: State Farm

Teens in the Driver Seat (TDS) is the nation’s first grassroots, peer-to-peer program focused exclusively on young driver safety. The program has been started in more than 400 Texas high schools. Unlike other safety programs, TDS relies on teenagers to shape and deliver safety messages to their peers. And by focusing on the most common dangers for young drivers, the TDS program is designed to augment and reinforce the state’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) law. Thanks in large part to the TDS / GDL combination, the number of teens involved in fatal crashes has fallen faster in Texas than in any other state. TTI staff members provide guidance, support and program materials, but the teens are responsible for starting and sustaining their individual programs. TDS earned its fourth national honor in 2010 — the Teen Driving Safety Leadership Award from the National Safety Council.

For more information contact Russell Henk.