The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) has been awarded $1.9 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) grants for fiscal year 2024. The funding comes through the High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) discretionary grant program, which provides financial assistance to enhance CMV safety-related activities across the nation.
These projects aim to reduce CMV crashes, improve safety data collection and introduce new technologies that enhance overall roadway safety. Each of the funded initiatives addresses high-risk areas for CMV-related incidents and seeks to develop solutions that will protect drivers, law enforcement and the public.
The four TTI recipients announced for fiscal year 2024 include:
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$576,731 – Utilize Telematics Data to Proactively Identify Indicators of Potential Work Zone Crashes Involving CMVs
Led by TTI Assistant Research Scientist Jack Kong, this project enhances CMV safety within work zones. This initiative leverages cutting-edge telematics data to detail critical vehicle dynamics and uses artificial intelligence to dissect the underlying factors contributing to CMV-involved work zone crashes. The goal is to identify early indicators of potential crashes, enabling preventative measures that could significantly reduce accidents in high-risk areas. -
$426,857 – Better Understanding Large Truck Crashes Using a Crash Chain Analysis and Contributing Factor Classification System
Led by TTI Research Engineer Myunghoon Ko, TTI takes a systematic approach to improving large truck safety data by using a crash chain analysis and a contributing factor classification system. This project aims to identify the sequence of events leading to a crash, including unsafe driving behaviors, preconditions for such behaviors, and environment and roadway conditions. By better understanding these factors, stakeholders can develop more effective safety measures tailored to high-risk scenarios involving large vehicles. -
$398,321 – Improving CMV and Agricultural Worker Safety on Rural Texas Roadways
Led by Associate Professor and TTI Affiliate Eva Shipp, this project addresses the national priority areas of CMV Safety on Rural Roads, and Public Awareness and Education by focusing on the safe transport of agricultural workers. The project seeks to understand barriers to traffic safety for CMV drivers and agricultural passengers. It will also assist law enforcement officers in improving crash reporting. The long-term goal of this project is to enhance traffic safety in rural Texas especially in areas with dense agricultural and dairy activity. -
$514,007 – National Awareness & Education – Promote Safe Vehicle and Nonvehicle Practices by Teens Around Commercial Motor Vehicles
Led by TTI’s Youth Transportation Safety Project Specialist Christine Yager, this initiative aims to educate young drivers about safe practices when driving around CMVs, especially in work zones and on rural roads. This project will focus on creating outreach materials and messaging activities to help educate young drivers and encourage peer-to-peer sharing.
The awarded grants will not only enhance CMV safety across Texas but also contribute to nationwide efforts aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries involving large vehicles. By addressing both technological innovation and behavioral change, these projects represent a comprehensive approach to improving roadway safety.
“These grants mark a significant step forward in enhancing transportation safety,” says Jack Kong. “By investing in innovative data-driven research and targeted safety education, we can reduce the risks on our roadways more efficiently. This funding allows us to prioritize critical areas like work zone safety, rural roads and young driver awareness, ultimately ensuring safer conditions for both CMV operators and the communities they serve.”