MONTGOMERY — Auburn University and the University of Alabama are teaming up to help reduce injuries and deaths on the state’s roads and highways.
Gov. Kay Ivey awarded a total of $3.85 million to the two universities for programs aimed at collecting specific traffic data and using the findings for educational advertisements to bring awareness of highway enforcement campaigns.
“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,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to support these safety efforts and always urge motorists to obey our traffic safety laws and to drive defensively.”
University of Alabama grants – $2.2 million
The University of Alabama received three grants:
- $1.09 million – To support the Alabama Center for Advanced Public Safety and the Alabama Transportation Institute in collecting and maintaining statewide traffic safety data, including crash information.
- $783,994 – To upgrade traffic safety technology, improving timeliness and efficiency for law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel.
- $323,924 – To collect statewide information through surveys and law enforcement reports on seatbelt and child restraint usage. The information will help law enforcement officers identify areas of the state where additional education and enforcement efforts are needed.
Auburn University grants – $1.64 million
Auburn University also received three grants, which will fund awareness campaigns for several of the state’s major traffic safety initiatives including:
- “Click It or Ticket” – Encouraging seatbelt use and reminding Alabamians that buckling up is the law.
- “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” – Focused on preventing impaired driving, whether resulting from alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medications that impair judgement.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“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.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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