The state is investing nearly $2.5 million to help prevent injuries on Georgia’s roadways.
“The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) is working with all of our highway safety partners to reverse the increase in traffic deaths we have seen in the U.S. in the last two years and the goal of this project is to prevent crashes and save lives on our roads,” said Allen Poole, director of the GOHS.
On Dec. 31, the GOHS announced an investment of $2,495,831.85 to the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) to support injury prevention efforts.
The funding will support a myriad of state programs with the goal of:
- Providing technical assistance and resources to partner agencies statewide
- Developing community support for motor vehicle safety programs
- Supporting data linkages
- Evaluating program efforts
“This long-standing, unique partnership between highway safety and public health helps promote a safer Georgia,” said Kathleen Toomey, commissioner of the GDPH. “This programmatic support has made a difference for Georgians and continues to save lives and prevent injuries.”
The nearly $2.5 million will be provided to the following state programs:
Injury Prevention Program’s Child Occupant Safety Project (COSP)
The COSP, which promotes safe transportation of children throughout Georgia, will receive $1,567,881.
Through the program, child safety seats and education are available to local caregivers in more than 143 counties. COSP also provides training specific to healthcare professionals, law enforcement, emergency medical services and childcare providers.
Office of Health Indicators for Planning
The Office of Health Indicators for Planning will receive $196,698.82. This department processes death, population and hospital data. The data is available on OASIS, a web-based query system.
Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES)
CODES will see $308,690 for its project that brings together multiple agencies to identify opportunities for crash prevention. The project aims to link and analyze crash, vehicle and behavioral characteristics to medical and financial data.
Injury Prevention Program’s 55+ Driver Safety Program
This public education program will receive $192,420.99. The program aims to educate drivers over the age of 55 on safe driving, age-related mobility challenges, and the importance of mobility planning.
The Georgia Emergency Medical Services Information System (GEMSIS)
Approximately $230,141.04 will be directed to support GEMSIS, a statewide database for pre-hospital care information. The grant will support the work being done to increase the completeness and accuracy of the patient care information.
The funding will be used for upgrades and linkages to GEMSIS, as well as tools to measure the time to definitive care, especially for trauma patients.
“We ask everyone to join the mission of saving lives on our roads by driving the speed limit, wearing your seatbelt, staying off the phone when driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Poole said.
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