Of the 10,497 U.S. impaired-driving fatalities that occurred in 2016, Texas experienced 1,438 of them. Across the country, impaired driving accounts for 28 percent of all traffic deaths. In Texas, it’s 34 percent.
The Center for Alcohol and Drug Education Studies (CADES) focuses on solving problems caused by the irresponsible use of alcohol and other drugs. CADES provides education, outreach and research related to alcohol and other drugs specifically as they relate to traffic safety.
“Impaired driving is a huge problem in Texas, and there are numerous reasons for that,” says Research Scientist Troy Walden, director of the Center for Alcohol and Drug Education Studies (CADES) at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI). “One of the biggest hurdles we face is the cultural acceptance of drinking and driving.” Walden and his team of CADES researchers are dedicated to solving problems — through various education, outreach and research projects — caused by the irresponsible use of alcohol and other drugs.