Members of the Texas House Transportation Committee on December 7 heard updates on research related to two of the Committee’s priority interest areas. Ginger Goodin, Director of TTI’s Transportation Policy Research Center, briefed members on the topic of autonomous vehicles in the context of policy and regulation. Robert Wunderlich, Director of TTI’s Center for Transportation Safety, provided information on significant trends in roadway safety.
Goodin’s testimony was drawn from published and ongoing research and researchers’ observations, as well as policy guidance produced in September by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One of the key objectives of the NHTSA guidance, Goodin told the Committee, is to ensure a consistent national framework for state-level regulation of highly automated vehicles for both testing and operation.
Wunderlich’s testimony drew from research conducted by TTI to assist in updating the Texas Strategic Highway Plan, first produced ten years ago. In addition to satisfying federal requirements, the plan identifies key safety needs and serves as a guide for investment decisions designed to reduce the frequency of deaths and injuries on Texas roadways.
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