The theme for the UAB-UTC is Traffic Safety and Injury Control.

The theme was conceptualized by our Executive Committee after consultation with Dr. Dan Turner, founding Director of the University Transportation Center for Alabama (UTCA). The proposed theme concept was presented to, discussed and approved by the UAB-UTC’s Advisory Board (pages 20-21 and http://www.uab.edu/utc/Advisory Board.pdf) at its inaugural meeting on August 31, 2006. The Advisory Board recommended adoption of the proposed
UAB-UTC theme because it was judged to be in support of USDOT’s vision of safer, simpler and smarter transportation, the first goal of FTA’s strategy plan of safety and security, NHTSA’s goal of addressing the most
significant traffic and motor vehicle safety issues, and FHWA’s goal of reducing the number of highway-related fatalities and injuries. In addition, it was judged to be an “excellent fit” for the Injury Control Research Center’s (ICRC) faculty; and, it complements the ICRC’s MISSION which is:

“To develop new or improved approaches for preventing and controlling death and disability due to
injuries; to help the nation significantly reduce injury-related morbidity, mortality, and disability,
particularly in the Southeast, and in turn, reduce the human suffering and medical and societal costs
resulting from injury.”

In addition to its MISSION, the ICRC’s central theme: Injury Over the Life Course* (1), provides a well-functioning, time-tested administrative and programmatic infrastructure for the new UAB-UTC. This infrastructure facilitates and assures that UAB-UTC activities will be initiated quickly and efficiently from a refined organizational platform under the operating control of a highly-experienced faculty and staff.