SWUTC Research Project Description
U in the Driver Seat
University: Texas A&M University
Principal Investigator:
Stacey Tisdale
Texas Transportation Institute
(210) 979-9411
Project Monitor:
Robbi Branche
Texas Department of Transportation
Traffic Safety Specialist – San Antonio
3500 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 731-5219
Funding Source: USDOT and State of Texas General Revenue Funds
Total Project Cost: $50,427
Project Number: 600451-00015
Date Started: 4/1/12
Estimated Completion Date: 3/31/13
Project Summary
Project Abstract:
Build a peer-to-peer (P2P) model targeted toward the college-age audience called “U in the Driver Seat” at two college campuses. We will perform the following tasks:
- Conduct pre- and post-assessments of driving risk awareness and self-reported driving behavior;
- Perform field observations of seat belt use and driver’s use of electronic device(s);
- Establish a leadership team at each campus;
- Provide safety messages and promotional items to the team;
- Provide ideas for project/safety messaging activities to the team;
- Assist the team in establishing a student-run designated driver program
Project Objectives:
1. Gain a better understanding of risk awareness and attitudes towards driving dangers;
2. Measure success of P2P messaging and activities for college-aged audience;
3. Increase understanding of safety messaging and design elements effective with this age group;
4. Improve program model
Task Descriptions:
Task 1 – develop teams
Establish contacts/teams within college campuses.
Task 2 – conduct pre-assessments
Ask teams to conduct student surveys of risk awareness and self-reported driving behavior.
Task 3 – field observations
Perform field observations of seat belt use and driver’s use of electronic devices.
Task 4 – gain messaging needs
Based on pre-assessment and observation results, gain feedback from teams on types of messaging needed to perform peer-to-peer activities to spread awareness of driving risk knowledge gaps.
Task 5 – develop messaging
Order and produce messaging.
Task 6 – establish social media and websites
Develop social media page on Facebook and Twitter and website (u-driver.com), where teams can get information, communicate and share ideas.
Task 7 – schedule activities
Assist teams in brain-storming and scheduling projects/activities ideas to spread peer-to-peer awareness messaging.
Task 8 – establish designated driver program
Assist teams in establishing/improving and increasing awareness of student-run designated driver program.
Task 9 – conduct post-assessments
Ask teams to conduct student surveys of risk awareness and self-reported driving behavior.
Task 10 – assess program and submit results
Look at results and develop reports and research publications while also developing plan to build upon successes to continue program.
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
With programs and interventions targeting very young drivers and very old drivers, the college student target audience has largely been overlooked in the past. This effort built a peer-to-peer (P2P) model targeted toward the college-age audience called “U in the Driver Seat” at two college campuses. The project produced a better understanding of risk awareness and attitudes of this target audience towards driving dangers, and measured the success of P2P messaging and activities developed for this audience. Through an increased understanding of which safety messaging and design elements proved effective with this target audience, an improved program model was developed for implementation at other campuses. The project also helped validate the value of (and need for) P2P outreach as part of an overall strategy to address roadway safety in a community – in this case a college campus.
Products developed by this research:
PowerPoint presentation to introduce the program to student leadership teams, who would be leading the activities.
Posters and digital images with messaging for use by the student leadership teams.
Getting started information for leadership teams.
Pre- and post-assessments.
Educational items – PDA cleaners, koozies, sling backpacks, lip balm, banners and t-shirts.
Website: u-driver.com
Social Media Sites:
https://www.facebook.com/UInTheDriverSeat
https://twitter.com/UntheDriverSeat
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:
The Teens in the Driver Seat Program, of which “U in the Driver Seat” is now an active and growing component (thanks to this project), is increasingly being recognized as one of the best operative examples of changing traffic safety culture in the United States. The Teens in the Driver Seat Program is frequently approached to make presentations at the regional, state and national level. This grant helped facilitate forward progress on this newest college peer-to-peer component of the overall program, which now spans outreach to (and by) youth ages 11 to 25. This program also helps encourage and instill leadership qualities and an appreciation for civic/community service amongst young members of our society.
Web Links:
Final Technical Report
u-driver.com
Facebook: u-driver.com
Twitter: UntheDriverSeat