The University of Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute has been awarded an $836,470 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to continue its education and training programs in the areas of passenger safety education, young and senior driver education and community programming.
For 24 years, GTIPI has assisted the GOHS in meeting congressional requirements by designing and delivering education that improves safety while traveling in a vehicle. The institute has been a leading resource in traffic safety education in Georgia.
GTIPI has four main training and community education initiatives: Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification, Georgia Teens Ride with PRIDE (Parents Reducing Incidents of Driver Error), CarFit and the Online Safety Store. Each area is designed to reach target age groups or address a critical traffic safety issue.
Law enforcement, emergency medical services, health departments, Cooperative Extension educators and fire departments across the state participate in GTIPI’s training and distribute educational materials. Onsite training is conducted at GTIPI’s facilities in Conyers as well as regional locations across the state.
Parents and young children benefit from safety professionals and volunteers who achieve national certification in the 32-hour Child Passenger Safety Technician training.
“Even though child safety seats are used by parents more than 90 percent of the time, four out of five seats are installed incorrectly,” said Frankie Jones, GTIPI’s director. “The CPST certification qualifies volunteers to teach parents how to do it right.”
GTIPI’s course, “Georgia Teens Ride with PRIDE” is for parents and their new teen drivers.
“Almost two-thirds of teen fatalities in our state aren’t buckled up,” Jones said. “PRIDE trains instructors how to deliver safe driving tools to their community. PRIDE helps parents make it through the process of their teen getting a license without ‘losing their cool’ and helps teens learn how to avoid crashes.”
Designed for mature drivers, CarFit helps seniors stay behind the wheel longer and more safely.
“CarFit is a non-threatening way to educate seniors about how to stay safe and comfortable in their car,” Jones said.
The Online Safety Store is the primary source statewide for print and electronic traffic safety resources for consumers, educators and professionals. GTIPI manages distribution of materials from the GOHS website, www.georgiahighwaysafety.org.
For more information, see http://www.ridesafegeorgia.org or call GTIPI at (678) 413-4281, or toll free at (800) 342-9819.
By Andrew Turnage
University of Georgia
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Thursday, November 5, 2009
UGA Traffic Injury Prevention Institute awarded $836,470 grant
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Brain and Spinal Injuries in Georgia: A Needs Assessment and State Action Plan
PRNewswire -- The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission releases its 2008 report "Brain and Spinal Injuries in Georgia: A Needs Assessment and State Action Plan" which is in conjunction with the Trust Fund's 10th Anniversary that will be held at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.
A Significant Public Health Problem
Brain and spinal injuries are a significant public health issue for the state of Georgia. These injuries affect an estimated 70,000 Georgians each year, resulting in substantial costs to the individual, the family, and the state in terms of decreased quality of life, lost wages, and need for services. While brain and spinal injuries can be devastating, it is possible for people with such injuries to live lives of independence and meaning within the community. To do so, however, requires a commitment at the local, state, and national level to develop a comprehensive, specialized, and coordinated system of care.
The Commission will begin the process of implementing the recommended goals in the State Action Plan during FY 2009. To assist with this process the Commission requests the assistance of the Governor, the General Assembly, state agency leaders, and the citizens of Georgia during this next year to learn more about the incidence, needs, and specialized service models available for Georgians with brain and spinal injuries.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Shepherd Center Hosts Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission's 10th Anniversary and Annual Awards Reception
PRNewswire -- People with disabilities, families, state officials and health-care providers, will gather in Atlanta on July 24 to join in the festivities as the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission, the state's Lead Agency on Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord injuries, celebrates 10 years of service to the state of Georgia. The Commission joins with millions across the country in observing and celebrating the 18th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The 10th Anniversary and Annual meeting is being held at Shepherd Center, a center of Excellence in the treatment of brain and spinal cord injuries in the U.S. Shepherd Center co-founder Alana Shepherd will provide the keynote address to the invited guests. The Reception begins at 4:00 PM and the program concludes at 5:30 PM. The Commission annual meeting begins 2:00 PM and is open for public comment.
The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission has provided grants totaling over ten million dollars to over 2,000 Georgians with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. The Commission and its many collaborative committees have also created and released a new comprehensive Ten-Year State Action Plan that will guide the Commission and collaborating organizations to promote the most productive and independent lifestyles possible for Georgians with disabilities.
This year the Commission honors with its Pathfinder Award four individuals and one family whose dedicated efforts have helped advance the lives of Georgians with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
Senator Don Thomas has provided his expertise and leadership to secure a Senate study committee to explore brain injury related neurobehavioral issues for people with traumatic brain injury. Senator Thomas has dedicated many years in the Senate to providing for the best health care possible for Georgians.
Senator Ronnie Chance sponsored legislation in the Senate to add additional revenue through new surcharges from traffic violations for the Trust Fund as did Representative Steve Tumlin in the Georgia House of Representatives.
Rusty Kidd is honored for his contributions as an advocate, donor, and leadership as the Commission's Chairman.
Ben, Charles and Kay Fuller are honored for their dedication and perseverance in a long and often difficult journey as Ben navigated the fractured landscape of services for care after his severe traumatic brain injury.
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Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Governor Perdue Announces Filing of the Landowners Protection Act
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that legislation has been filed that will limit liability for landowners who open their property to hunters and agri-tourists. Senate Bill 449, known as the Landowners Protection Act of 2008, is being carried by Senator Bill Heath, one of the Governor’s Floor Leaders in the Senate.
“Georgia is a prime destination for hunters and tourists who want to enjoy our land and farms,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “This legislation will prevent liability concerns from discouraging landowners welcoming guests onto their property.”
The proposal will protect landowners who allow individuals to hunt on their property from being sued for accidents arising during a hunt. Likewise, landowners operating an agri-tourism attraction would not be held liable for accidents or injuries that may occur on the visit. Property owners will continue to be held responsible for gross negligence, and they will be liable if they deliberately put people in danger. Governor Perdue announced the legislation during the Georgia Farm Bureau’s annual legislative luncheon.
“We want to encourage landowners to open their hunting property and farms to visitors to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty as an agricultural and sportsman’s paradise,” said Senator Bill Heath. “The Georgia General Assembly is working to protect landowners and, again, stand up for the rights of private property owners.”
