ABOUT U IN THE DRIVER SEAT

Student-Powered. Data-Driven. Life-Saving.

U in the Driver Seat (UDS) is a college-based traffic safety program equipping campuses with the tools, resources, and opportunities to create safer communities.

To save lives and prevent injury among youth through education, empowerment, and peer-led outreach.

Why UDS Exists

Car crashes remain one of the leading causes of injury and death among young adults, and college campuses are uniquely complex environments with constant movement, distraction, and risk-taking behaviors.

UDS was developed to help campuses respond—by providing practical tools, flexible programming, and real-world solutions that fit into existing campus systems.

Our focus areas reflect the highest needs identified by campuses:

  • Impaired Driving
  • Distracted Driving
  • Active Mobility Safety (walking, biking, scooters)

U in the Driver Seat (UDS) was launched in 2013 by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute to address one of the leading causes of death among young adults—traffic crashes.

What started as a pilot program has grown into a trusted campus safety initiative:

  • Reached 98+ colleges, primarily across Texas
  • Engaged 1M+ students nationwide
  • Supported hundreds of student-led safety activities and campaigns

Today, UDS continues to evolve—expanding its focus, modernizing its approach, and meeting the needs of today’s college campuses. UDS is currently supported in Texas and Washington, with ongoing opportunities to expand its reach through partnerships and sponsorship.

Built for any campus, any group.*

UDS is designed to be accessible to all colleges and departments.

Any group can participate:

  • Student organizations
  • Campus health and wellness programs
  • Academic departments (public health, communications, criminal justice, etc.)
  • Student affairs, housing, or campus safety teams
  • No existing peer program required
  • Flexible participation options
  • Designed to fit your campus needs.

*Currently only available in Texas and Washington.

Simple, Impactful Programming

UDS provides:

  • Ready-to-use toolkits and outreach materials
  • Activity-based rewards and incentives
  • Easy reporting and participation structure
  • Opportunities for collaboration across campus

UDS focuses on:

  • Positive social norms (highlighting that most students make safe decisions)
  • Prevention, not punishment
  • Clear, relatable messaging that fits campus life

We’re empowering student leaders to champion traffic safety and help prevent injuries before they happen.

LEADERSHIP

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