Texas A&M University
Texas Transportation Institute research programs dedicated toward saving lives
Dedicated toward saving lives, the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), a member of The Texas A&M University System, is the largest university-based transportation research agency in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world. This research institute is internationally recognized as a leader in transportation safety research and holds seven U.S. patents on safety technologies. TTI is an official research agency of the Texas Department of Transportation.
Established during the early years of the ambitious interstate highway program, TTI played a major role in the successful development of the Texas federal and state road systems. In fact, roadside safety improvements developed by TTI have prevented death or serious injury in more than 700 recorded auto collisions since 1988.
The Gibb Gilchrist Transportation Research Building, dedicated on November 11, 1999, is solely occupied by TTI. It was designed specifically to meet the needs of researchers working on the leading edge of transportation research. This $7.9 million building was made possible from $4.7 million of PUF bond proceeds and $3.2 million from TAMU's Revenue Financing Bonds and other funding sources.
Among the programs housed in the Gilchrist Building is the Driving Environment Simulator (DESi). DESi provides a realistic feel of driving and offers connections to computers for data collection and image generation. TTI is one of the few research entities in the nation with this capability, allowing researchers to look at such issues as aggressive driving, the effects of alcohol use and abuse, fatigued or drowsy driving, the distractions of cell phone use, road rage, and many others.
TTI's research agenda includes all transportation-air, water, rail, pipeline, surface, and both rural and urban transit. The TTI research programs have a proven, quantifiable impact. TTI research has improved transportation efficiency and safety in the State of Texas.
