AU, UA receive grants for road safety study, promotion

Auburn University (AU) and the University of Alabama (UA) have received a total of $3.85 million to conduct studies on road and highway safety and to promote awareness for the public. 

“Two of Alabama’s fine universities may be rivals on the field and in the arena, but on this important issue they are working side by side to reduce crashes and save a police officer or trooper from having to knock on someone’s door to deliver tragic news that a loved one has died tragically in a vehicle wreck,” said Gov. Ivey in an announcement from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

“I am pleased to support these safety efforts and always urge motorists to obey our traffic safety laws and to drive defensively.”

UA received $2.3 million for: 

• The Alabama Center for Advanced Public Safety and the Alabama Transportation Institute to collect statewide traffic safety data that includes crash information.
• Upgrading traffic safety technology, and improving "timeliness and efficiency" for law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel.
• Collecting statewide information through surveys and law enforcement reports regarding seatbelt and the use of child restraints. This information will reportedly help police identify areas where additional education and enforcement are needed.

AU received $1.64 million for: 

• “Click It or Ticket” to encourage wearing seatbelts and stressing that wearing seatbelts is legally required.
• “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” to discourage impaired driving due to alcohol, drug or prescription medications.

“ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of these universities and the work they do to reduce crashes and make Alabama roads safe for everyone,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.