Submitted by the Georgia Department of Human Resources

ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Public Health has received funding from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to continue four Injury Prevention initiatives in 2009. The Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) Support Project, the Older Driver Safety Program, the Rural Roads Initiative and the Child Occupant Safety Program were each awarded grants to continue efforts to improve the public health and safety of Georgians statewide. The four programs provide technical assistance and resources to health and safety professionals and other successful programs, develop community support and evaluate program efforts.

“The additional funds from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety enable us to build on the good work we have already done to protect Georgians while on the road,” said Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford, acting director of the Division of Public Health. “We are honored to partner with the Office of Highway Safety, as these are key initiatives for them as well.”

The Crash Outcome Data Evaluation Support Project (CODES) Support Project was awarded $60,000; the Older Driver Safety Program was awarded $110,000; the Rural Roads Initiative was awarded $130,900; and the Child Occupant Safety Program was awarded $474,900.

The Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) Support Project uses probabilistic techniques to link crash and other injury data. By linking crash, vehicle and behavior characteristics to the project’s medical and financial outcomes, a more comprehensive view of crash injuries is created and opportunities for prevention can be identified.

The Older Driver Safety Program focuses on reducing the number of injuries and fatalities experienced by older drivers. The program works to maintain and/or enhance the mobility of older adults and develops comprehensive strategies that balance the needs of older drivers and the safety of other road users.

The Rural Roads Initiative is a project that works to prevent injuries by improving safety on rural and non-interstate roads in northeast and southeast Georgia. The program addresses risks such as inadequate signage and striping on roads, behavioral factors such as speeding, and program factors such as lack of funds or program planning data. The grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety will be used to properly identify traffic safety problems and supply accurate data and materials for program planning and implementation.

The Child Occupant Safety Program seeks to ensure that Georgia’s children are safe while riding in motor vehicles. The program uses a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) best practice by offering education and distributing child safety seats to income eligible families in more than 90 Georgia counties through a mini-grant program.

For more information, please contact the Division of Public Health’s Injury Prevention Section at (404) 463-6112 or visit online at www.health.state.ga.us/programs/injuryprevention or www.gahighwaysafety.org.