News
Monday, February 28th, 2011
TDS Fest is this weekend and you’re invited! Come by Creekview High School in Carrollton, Texas on Saturday, March 5 between 3 pm and 8 pm as we celebrate the accomplishment of driving down the fatality rate in Texas while remembering those who have lost their lives in this epidemic. There will be lots of activities including a balloon launch, memorial walk, a dance, which 106.1 KISS FM’s Junior will DJ, and lots of fun and educational activities.
Friday, February 18th, 2011
Despite education and awareness, a lot of people are still driving under the influence. In 2007, over 1.43 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. This means you’ll likely encounter drivers who shouldn’t be on the road. Here are some tips on recognizing possible impairment, what to do if you find yourself driving near one and how to report it.
Tuesday, February 15th, 2011
Canna Cola is launching a new line of colas, scheduled to hit Colorado this month. But, these aren’t normal sugary sodas that will compete with Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper; they are infused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical found in marijuana. The soda is in bright bottles displaying cartoon-like characters and illustrations, have names such as Sour Diesel and Grape Ape and promise 12 mind blowing ounces.
Thursday, February 3rd, 2011
Great news! Super Bowl XLV tickets are still available. For those of you who want only the best, second row on the 50 yard line will run you a cool 23,717 clams or you can economize and opt for the end zone nosebleed section for $2664. Parking is extra.
For the rest of us, Adweek estimates 110 million, we’ll be watching Sunday’s Super Bowl game way off the sidelines – in our homes, at parties, or in the nearest big-screen establishment.
Monday, January 31st, 2011
Alex Brown died in an auto accident in 2009 after she lost control of her truck while she was texting. Her truck rolled and because Alex was not wearing a seat belt, she went out the passenger side window and was crushed by the truck. Since Alex’s death the Brown family has been traveling the country, pulling Alex’s wrecked truck, to bring awareness to texting and driving and asking teens everywhere to take the pledge to not text and drive.
Wednesday, January 26th, 2011
Researchers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), with support from State Farm Insurance recently published a report of teen driver safety benchmarks. These reports are always of interest to me and the entire Teens in the Driver Seat team, because they relate directly to our core mission and help illustrate the critical need for continued efforts to reduce car crashes involving teen drivers. As we at Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) have known for decades, data can be examined from many angles. It can be a challenge to zero in on common facts that safety professionals can use to measure our collective progress. In that respect, this new report is valuable.
Tuesday, January 25th, 2011
No matter how familiar you are with the Move Over Law, it’s worth repeating, especially when we see articles where troopers are injured because passing motorists don’t slow down or move over when passing emergency vehicles stopped in a lane. The law, which has been passed in all states except Hawaii, requires vehicles to change into another lane, when possible, or reduce their speed and be prepared to stop.
Thursday, January 13th, 2011
Auto executives are expecting new Federal guidelines for driver distractions in vehicles. Guidelines, instead of regulations, means it will be up to auto makers to keep distractions to a minimum within their car’s design and technology. Auto distractions can be radios, navigation and control systems along with driver hand-held devices, like cell phones and music players. Some auto makers, such as Ford, are introducing voice controlled interactive systems to help keep driver’s hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Monday, January 10th, 2011
The North America International Auto Show in Detroit is opening today. Car lovers everywhere are waiting to see what will be introduced. The focus on efficiency and cost is obvious. Even Porsche is into the hybrid game and is introducing a high-performance hybrid with the 918 RSR. While a Porsche may not be on your list of affordable cars, many of you will be in the market for new efficient vehicles soon and there are options being introduced.
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011
For release: December 8, 2010 For more information: Bernie Fette Office: 979-845-2623 / Cell: 979-777-7532 Cypress Falls students launching new safety program after survey shows pattern of risky driving behaviors A recent survey shows that Cypress Falls students are more likely to engage in risky driving habits than other Texas teens, prompting the school to [...]
Monday, December 20th, 2010
Have you ever been driving on a perfect day and a sneaky storm appears out of nowhere? Weather can change without warning, which is why it’s important to prepare yourself for driving on all types of road surfaces and in all types of conditions. The best advice is to check the weather ahead of time and avoid driving if there is a chance of snow, ice, heavy fog or rain. But, if you’re already on the road, here are some tips to get you to your destination safely.
1. Slow down! Stopping takes longer on slippery roads so increase your following distance.
2. If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights should be on. While you’re at it, turn your defroster on too.
Tuesday, December 14th, 2010
Finals are a good news, bad news situation – the good news is knowing your holiday vacation is right around the corner; the bad news is that it can be a stressful time for many students. With the increase in study time and stress, you may not be getting much sleep.
Decreased sleep not only limits the ability to concentrate and problem solve during school, but also impairs reaction time, judgment and vision behind the wheel. Consider this: the National Sleep Foundation recommends 9-10 hours of sleep per night for teenagers, but the average teen only gets 7.4 hours per night. That’s a lot of sleepy students – and drivers!
Wednesday, December 8th, 2010
A recent survey shows that Cypress Falls students are more likely to engage in risky driving habits than other Texas teens, prompting the school to launch Teens in the Driver Seat (TDS), the nation’s first peer-to-peer safety program for young drivers.
More than 400 Texas teens die every year in traffic crashes, by far the number one killer of young people. Texas Transportation Institute researchers attribute the crashes to inexperience, combined with one or more of the five main risks that plague young
Monday, November 29th, 2010
Get ready for the ultimate driving safety celebration! Teens in the Driver Seat (TDS) is gearing up for TDS Fest, which will be held March 5, 2011.
What exactly is TDS Fest?
Car crashes are the number-one killer of teenagers in America. TDS Fest will showcase student leaders in bringing awareness about this problem to their peers, their families, and their community.