Since November 2009, H-GAC has contracted with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute to provide traffic safety outreach assistance through its “Teens in the Driver Seat” program. The program is a unique approach to safety outreach, working with teens and young adults to provide them the information and tools to educate their fellow students about traffic safety and safe lives. 

The program currently has 50 chapters or partnerships in the region, including 30 high school chapters and 20 junior high school chapters. The program is also working to establish chapters at colleges.

The Teens in the Driver Seat program is an important part of the regional safety plan.  Due to the impact of COVID-19 in delaying many of the planned in-person events, some of the funds were not expended on the safety funding grant.

Due to the significance of addressing driver safety early and often with young drivers, it is critical to ensure that this information continues in junior high schools, high schools, and now colleges in the region.  The current contract with Texas A&M Transportation Institute includes an amount of $255,000.

H-GAC is requesting approval to increase the contract by $31,000 for a total contract amount of $286,000 and extend the termination date to May 31, 2023.  Upon this approval, the contract will be extended through May 31, 2023 along with the additional funding amount.

Federal Transportation Funds

Yes

Request approval to extend the contract period to May 31, 2023 and increase the contract amount with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute by $31,000 for the Teens in the Driver Seat program; total contract amount is $286,000. (Staff Contact: David Fink)