Other Federal & State Projects
CTS conducts work in a wide range of areas with a particular emphasis on those that present the greatest risks to transportation safety. Although, CTS receives annual support from the State of Texas to achieve our legislative mandate, CTS also conducts education, outreach, and research activities for sponsors within and outside of Texas. These projects are not supported by CTS funds but instead by a traditional sponsored contract research model.
FY2022 HP-CMV Grant Program
July 2022 – September 2024
Sponsor: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Project Summary
This project worked to reduce crashes involving large trucks and buses by educating youth nationwide on safe behaviors around commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Through peer-to-peer programs like Teens in the Driver Seat® and U in the Driver Seat, the initiative distributed over 900 educational kits, engaged 394 rural schools, hosted 43 outreach events, and developed new safety resources. These efforts were amplified through social media campaigns and a mobile app, which contributed to a 37% reduction in distracted driving among long-term users.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
National Survey on Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors
October 2022 – March 2024
Sponsor: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Project Summary
The National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behaviors was conducted on two previous occasions—first in 2002 and again in 2012. Those surveys provided program planners and community leaders with detailed information on walking and bicycling behavior, the level of support for facilities assisting those activities, and awareness of safety issues. In the 2022 survey, NHTSA intends to examine the extent to which Americans engage in walking and bicycling activity, their attitudes towards and experience with various facilities, road conditions, and technologies, and their opinions on pedestrian and bicycling safety topics. Furthermore, NHTSA plans to assess whether self-reported behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions regarding walking and bicycling have changed over time since the administration of the prior national surveys. NHTSA will use the findings to assist States, localities, and communities in developing and refining walking and bicycling safety programs that will aid in their efforts to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist crashes and injuries.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
Maximizing TxDOT System Safety – TxDOT Urban Roadway Safety Score Assessment Tool
March 2024 – August 2024
Sponsor: Texas Department of Transportation
Project Summary
The Safer by Design (SBD) tool, developed by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute for the Texas Department of Transportation, provides roadway designers with a straightforward way to evaluate and compare the safety performance of different design options before construction begins. Using established analytical methods from sources such as the Highway Safety Manual, NCHRP and TxDOT research projects, the tool assigns safety scores to design alternatives, helping engineers select configurations that can reduce crash risk, particularly on rural highways.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
Highway Safety Media Campaign Awareness and Attitudes
January 2023 – January 2024
Project Summary
This project evaluated the effectiveness of Wisconsin’s highway safety media campaigns through a statewide survey and focus groups. The study assessed public awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to traffic safety issues like seat belt use, speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving. Findings showed strong recognition of national campaigns, support for stricter enforcement, and a desire for more impactful, targeted messaging. The study informed recommendations for improving communication strategies to enhance road safety across the state.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
Increasing Rider Training Course Participation Rates and Increasing Rider Instructor Participation Rates in Texas
September 2023 – September 2024
Project Summary
The FY24 project was designed to enhance motorcycle safety in Texas by strengthening the instructor pipeline and increasing course enrollment. Major efforts included a statewide rider survey to identify barriers to training, the development of targeted outreach materials, the launch of a centralized resource website, and the distribution of customizable educational content to schools and dealerships. These strategies were reinforced through social media campaigns and data tracking to measure effectiveness and guide future outreach.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
Teens in the Driver Seat Project for Youth in Nebraska
September 2023 – August 2024
Project Summary
The Teens in the Driver Seat (TDS) program in Nebraska, conducted during Fiscal Year 2024, is a peer-led traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing risky driving behaviors among teens. Implemented in 23 junior high and high schools, the program reached over 11,700 students through educational kits, digital resources, and structured activities. Schools participated in evidence-based campaigns like Zero Hero, which focused on distracted driving, seat belt use, and pedestrian safety. The program also included monthly communications, contests, and a point-based rewards system (TDS All-Stars) to encourage engagement. In total, 59 safety events were reported, involving 9,358 students across the state, with top-performing schools recognized for their contributions to promoting teen driver safety.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
Washington State Teens in the Driver Seat
October 2023 – September 2024
Sponsor: Washington State Department of Transportation
Project Summary
The Teens in the Driver Seat (TDS) project is a peer-led traffic safety initiative implemented across Washington State during the 2023–2024 school year. The project’s goal is to reduce risky driving behaviors among teens by supporting schools with educational resources, training, and the You in the Driver’s Seat (YDS) smartphone app. The program exceeded recruitment goals for high schools and junior highs, saw a 300% increase in survey participation, and logged over 68,000 safe miles via the app—far surpassing its 8,000-mile target. Despite falling short in college recruitment and slightly missing targets for safe driving behavior and incentive distribution, the project demonstrated strong engagement and growth, particularly through partnerships and expanded outreach.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
TO 2: Transit Impact Assessment Tool
January 2024 – April 2024
Project Summary
This project involved revising the Harris County Transit (HCT) Benefit Assessment Tool to enhance usability and align it with current service models and data. Deliverables included a static spreadsheet and presentation estimating transit benefits such as transportation cost savings, affordable mobility, and broader economic impacts. Using updated ridership data and IMPLAN modeling, the analysis estimated total benefits of $22.5 million—$896,671 attributed to ridership and $21.6 million to economic impact. A focused analysis on dialysis access revealed an annual return on investment of $2.05 million and a ripple economic effect of $6.8 million.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
Teens in the Driver Seat Peer-to-Peer Safety Program in Georgia
September 2023 – August 2024
Sponsor: Georgia Department of Transportation
Project Summary
The Teens in the Driver Seat® (TDS) program is a peer-to-peer traffic safety initiative focused on reducing teen crashes in Georgia. In its second year (2023–2024), the program expanded to 124 schools across 68 counties, reaching over 142,000 students. Activities included teacher and teen workshops, development of educational resources, regional outreach, and student-led campaigns on seat belt use, distracted driving, and pedestrian safety. The program also utilized surveys and a smartphone app to track behavior change, showing measurable improvements in safety awareness and driving habits among teens.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
Developing Experiential and Evidence-Based Truck Driver Training on Work Zone Safety in Texas
July 2022 – September 2024
Project Summary
This project sought to improve commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety in Texas work zones by developing and evaluating an experiential, evidence-based training module for truck tractor drivers. The training combined classroom instruction with simulator-based scenarios to enhance drivers’ risk perception and safe driving behaviors. The project also produced outreach materials for law enforcement and engineering guidance to support safer work zone design and enforcement practices. Findings were shared with stakeholders and made publicly available to promote broader adoption and impact.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
Growing Support for the Safe System Approach
April 2023 – March 2024
Sponsor: National Safety Council
Project Summary
This project supported the broader adoption of the Safe System Approach (SSA) by developing a survey tool to gauge public understanding and support for its core principles. Endorsed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the SSA emphasizes preventing serious injuries and fatalities through systemic improvements in road design, speed management, vehicle safety, and post-crash care. A national survey of 421 adults revealed strong concern for roadway safety and widespread alignment with SSA principles, along with high levels of support for related strategies. To help communities replicate the effort, the project also produced guidance on administering the survey and using the results to inform stakeholder engagement and address implementation challenges.
Resources and Reports
Railway Safety Outreach in Eastern United States – Year 2
September 2023 – August 2024
Sponsor: Norfolk Southern
Project Summary
The Rail Safety Outreach in Eastern United States – Year 2 project, led by the Teens in the Driver Seat® (TDS) program, focused on promoting rail safety awareness among youth. In its second year, the initiative distributed educational materials to over 110 schools in Georgia and additional schools across Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Virginia, and South Carolina. A major traffic safety summit was held in Atlanta, engaging 51 students and 16 teachers, while a leadership workshop in San Antonio provided media and advocacy training to teens from multiple states. The program also supported schools through virtual sessions, conferences, and app-based contests to encourage student participation in rail safety efforts.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
TTI Youth Transportation Safety Program (Teens in the Driver Seat) in Wisconsin
September 2023 – August 2024
Sponsor: State Farm
Project Summary
In 2024, the Teens in the Driver Seat® (TDS) program engaged 16 youth teams across Wisconsin to promote teen driver safety. The initiative focused on educating teens about the risks of distracted and impaired driving through peer-led activities, presentations, and school events. A key component included the development of a presentation on distracted driving, which was shared with participating schools.
The program directly served over 10,000 individuals, primarily teens aged 14–18, across 14 Wisconsin counties, with a focus on low to moderate-income communities. TDS staff also participated in statewide conferences, expanding outreach and forming partnerships with student organizations to further spread safe driving messages.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly
TTI Youth Transportation Safety Program (Teens in the Driver Seat) in Fulton and DeKalb Counties
September 2023 – August 2024
Sponsor: State Farm
Project Summary
The Youth Transportation Safety Program (YTS) is a peer-to-peer initiative aimed at promoting traffic safety among youth aged 13–18. The program’s high school component, Teens in the Driver Seat® (TDS), empowers students to lead safety campaigns addressing major risks like distracted driving and seatbelt use. In 2024, the program supported 13 schools in Fulton and DeKalb Counties, Georgia, reaching over 10,000 youth. Activities included educational presentations, leadership development, and community engagement events.
Resources and Reports
- Project Report to be added shortly