TxDOT Impaired Driving Research
Statewide Focus Group Research | Texas Department of Transportation
The Challenge
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is committed to keeping Texans safe on the road, which includes having a sober person behind the wheel. To inform their public awareness campaigns, TxDOT has sought research with Texans over the years to learn about their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions around driving while under the influence of different substances including alcohol, cannabis, and prescription medications.
The Research
I conducted focus groups on behalf of TxDOT from 2016-2019 with different target audiences, including young adults, prescription drug users, alcohol drinkers, and cannabis users. As focus group moderator, I asked about their typical consumption, sought to understand their perceptions of how substances affect their driving, and explored their knowledge of the legal consequences of driving under the influence. I also tested statements, commercials, billboards, and digital ads to gauge reactions and motivation to prevent driving under the influence of various substances.
The Results
TxDOT used the findings from this research to inform the design of public service announcements, billboards, and online ads to promote safe driving.
Get in Touch
Let's do something cool together.
You can reach me at tessa.baker@gmail.com.
