Manser Appointed to Motorcycle Safety Advisory Board
TTI Senior Research Scientist Michael Manser was recently appointed to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s (TDLR’s) Motorcycle Safety Advisory Board. The board provides technical knowledge and industry expertise to TDLR about motorcycle rider training and education.
With his more than 19 years of professional experience in the area of transportation human factors research, Manser’s appointment to the board adds extensive practical knowledge and expertise on the subject of motorcycle safety. During his career, Manser has developed and managed a variety of Texas statewide education and outreach efforts for the Texas Department of Transportation, including the Texas Statewide Motorcyclist Safety Coalition and the Texas Statewide Pedestrian Safety Coalition.
“I am very honored to be appointed as a member of the TDLR Motorcycle Advisory Board,” said Manser. “TDLR and the Motorcycle Advisory Board will play a significant role in improving rider safety by leading and guiding rider training efforts across Texas.”
Manser’s tenure as the board’s TTI representative will end Sept. 1, 2021.
Winfree Urges Focus on Disease-Mitigating Innovations
Agency Director Greg Winfree’s latest editorial opinion in Traffic Technology International is a call to action for transportation researchers to focus on hardening our shared global network’s infrastructure to protect against the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19.
TTI, Houston TranStar Win TSMO Award for Roadway Flood-Warning System
TTI and Houston TranStar recently won multiple awards for their innovative real-time flood-warning system tool co-developed with the Harris County Flood Control District and the Texas Department of Transportation.
The tool educates motorists on high-risk flood areas during severe storms, combining rainfall and stream elevation data with real-time traffic information to show areas likely to flood, while enabling travelers to plan alternate routes, thereby avoiding dangerous roadways. Houston TranStar’s website and traffic map were seen by more than 3 million unique visitors during Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
“Our project enhances traveler safety in the Greater Houston region by giving motorists reliable information to avoid roadways that are highly likely to be flooded,” explains Dinah Massie, Houston TranStar executive director.
The flood-warning system had previously won an Intelligent Transportation Society of Texas Award, a Texas Public Works Association Technical Innovation Award, and a Technology Award at the Emergency Management Association of Texas’ Symposium. Additionally, the tool will be recognized with a National Operations Center of Excellence Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) Award for Best TSMO Project at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ 2020 spring meeting. The award recognizes TSMO projects that use innovative practices to save lives, time and money in response to a specific event.
“Hurricane Harvey remains fresh in Houston’s memory,” notes Mike Vickich, TTI senior systems analyst. “The flood-warning system has evolved into a critical resource for governments and other entities to put safety measures in place for the public.”
Andrade Joins Texas Transportation Hall of Honor
Esperanza “Hope” Andrade, an influential and dedicated servant leader, innovator and advocate for the Texas transportation community, was inducted into the Texas Transportation Hall of Honor Jan. 7.
Andrade, a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman in San Antonio for more than three decades, was honored by a prestigious group of speakers representing the city and Texas. She was the second woman appointed to the Texas Transportation Commission and the first to serve as chair. Her contributions resulted in impactful, multimodal transportation solutions and record-breaking funding for roadways and safety initiatives. For example, while serving as Texas’ first Latina secretary of state and as a member of the Texas Workforce Commission, Ms. Andrade championed transportation infrastructure and its importance to the state’s economy.
“Perhaps what sets Ms. Andrade apart from so many other deserving individuals are her commitment to improving access to transportation throughout our state and her servant leadership exhibited in multiple positions throughout her lifetime,” TTI Agency Director Greg Winfree told attendees at the ceremony. “These attributes, combined with her public policy experience and strong network, have given her a unique ability to inspire others to come together for the benefit of the state and the San Antonio community.”
Andrade is the 45th member of the Hall of Honor, established in 2000 by TTI to recognize select individuals who played pivotal roles in the advancement of transportation in Texas and the nation.
TTI’s Sener Appointed to IPATH Board of Directors
TTI Associate Research Scientist Ipek Sener was recently appointed to the International Professional Association for Transport and Health (IPATH) Board of Directors. According to the organization, “The aim of IPATH is to share information, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration to improve health, quality of life and well-being in communities by advocating for the integration of health in the urban and transport planning agendas.”
With over 15 years of professional experience in transportation research at the intersection of social, behavioral and data sciences, Sener brings a wealth of knowledge to the IPATH Board of Directors. During her career, Sener published research in more than 100 publications, presented at national and international avenues, and conducted guest lectures. She currently serves as a faculty affiliate at the Texas A&M Center for Population Health and Aging and is on the editorial board of the Transportation Research Board’s Transportation Research Record journal.
“I’m honored with this appointment to the IPATH Board of Directors,” said Sener. “Over the last many years, we have made great progress in expanding the understanding and evaluation of health and transportation, and the IPATH Board of Directors will play a significant role as we move forward.”
