Kennesaw State University helps curb number of traffic accidents in Georgia
Kennesaw State University is working to curb the number of traffic accidents in Georgia − the…
Georgia (Nov 1, 2007) — Kennesaw State University helps curb number of traffic accidents in Georgia
Jeremy Craig
Abstract
Director of University Relations
Frances Weyand Harrison
770−423−6203
fharris4@kennesaw.edu
Contact: Jeremy Craig‚ 770−499−3448 or jcraig19@kennesaw.edu
State grant to KSU professor will help promote highway safety among Hispanics
KENNESAW‚ Ga. (Nov. 1‚ 2007) −− Kennesaw State University is working to curb the number
of traffic accidents in Georgia − the leading cause of death for Hispanics under the
age of 34‚ according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A $47‚000
grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) has been awarded to Alan
LeBaron‚ a distinguished service professor at KSU who is heading up an effort to promote
highway safety among Hispanics‚ the fastest growing population in the nation.
Georgia’s Hispanic population now exceeds 600‚000‚ according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“I believe that we can do more to make the roads safer‚” LeBaron said. “That is why
the A.L. Burruss Institute of Public Service and I have been working together to identify
highway safety problems and develop solutions that are non−political and culturally
sensitive.”
The grant will help fund DUI and highway safety education programs for Hispanics in
Cobb and Cherokee counties in addition to supporting the dissemination of educational
materials‚ which will be handed out at special events. Material also will be produced
for television and radio.
“Our goal is to reduce the risk of traffic accidents and injuries by providing education
on traffic statistics and the rules of the road to individuals who may not know such
information.”
LeBaron uses his extensive background in Central and South American history and his
experience working with the Guatemalan Maya in northwest Georgia to maintain a program
that is culturally relevant.
“Last year we reached approximately tens of thousands of Spanish speakers with our
information‚ and we continue to look for ways to be effective‚” he said.
LeBaron has been a professor at KSU since 1991‚ and he plans to publish his research
findings to encourage others to develop similar programs. The grant will be effective
from October 2007 through September 2008.
For more information or to schedule an interview with LeBaron‚ please contact Jeremy
Craig at 770−499−3448 or jcraig19@kennesaw.edu.
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A member of the 35−unit University System of Georgia‚ Kennesaw State University is
a comprehensive‚ residential institution with a growing student population of more
than 20‚000 from 132 countries. The third−largest university in Georgia‚ Kennesaw
State offers more than 60 graduate and undergraduate degrees‚ including a new doctorate
in education.
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its approximately 38,000 students. With 13 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the third-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status, and one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
