As Texas leads the nation with the largest motorcycling population, it has its share of motorcycle accident fatalities. Over the last decade, the rate of motorcycle fatalities has been soaring at high velocities across the United States.
- Texas
- Illinois
- California
- Florida
- New York
- Pennsylvania
From the year 1995 through the year 2000, the number of motorcycle accidents in Texas jumped to almost 20 percent. Compared to the rest of the country’s zero percent increase in motorcycle crashes and fatalities, Texas’ accelerated surge was the cause of much concern.
In an effort to quell the growing number of Texas motorcycle accidents, an organization called the Center for Transportation Safety (CTS) was incepted in June 2001. As a chapter of the Texas Transportation Institute, the Texas Senate passed Bill 586 to create awareness and prevent the number of motorcycle accidents in not only Texas but across America, as well.
As the home of an automated pedestrian simulator as well as an interactive simulator, the Center for Transportation Safety offers a plethora of innovative resources for researchers. The Center for Transportation Safety is comprised of professionals varied specialties. These experts are from a cross-sector of disciplines:
- Education
- Engineering
- Law Enforcement
- Public health and Safety
The CTS is committed to enhancing transportation safety and has a full agenda in the works:
- Devise new strategies on improving transportation safety
- Identify and communicate traffic obstacles and precise solutions to legislators
- Motivate the public on the importance of practicing driving safety
- Extend technical support to state, county and local municipalities
- Conduct transportation safety research and analysis
In coming years, the Texas Center for Transportation Safety (CTS) in conjunction with municipalities across the state of Texas plan to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents to fewer than 300 a year. With research, awareness and responsible driving, the number of motorcycle accidents in Texas will continue to diminish, making the roads a safer place to ride.
