1st Quarter Newsletter 2020
Director's Message
From the recently appointed Director, Dr. Nithin Agarwal:
I knew that accepting the role of T2 Center Director would present exciting challenges; however, little did I – or the world – know to prepare for this unprecedented global health security threat of COVID-19. First and foremost, we all are deeply grateful to the thousands of healthcare workers globally who are on the front lines helping their communities.  
The T2 Center is working hard to find solutions to this unforeseen disruption as efficiently and effectively as possible. Our team has moved quickly over the last two weeks to maintain the continuity of our programs.
Upcoming Courses and Training
Currently, all UFTI T2 Center training courses are offered online.

 
If you don’t see a class that fits your needs and have a group of interested students, please email Jasper Masciocchi  or call (352) 273-1685 to discuss opportunities.  
Florida's Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center Update
Logo for the Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center
Helmet News  
The Helmet Store is open! We currently have helmets available in a range of sizes and are able to provide helmets for big or small events. As long as our shipper is picking up, we will be filling orders. 

Bike Month   
Florida Bike Month, March, was interrupted by the COVID-19 health emergency.
May is National Bike Month.   
Florida Occupant Protection Resource Center Update
The 2020 National Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification Training Curriculum Is Here!    
The National Child Passenger Safety Board (NCPSB) released a new curriculum in January. Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Instructors received new Instructor Guides (IGs) for use in certification courses beginning February 1, 2020. The new format is based on feedback from instructors and technicians using the previous curriculum from 2014.   
In addition, the NCPSB launched a new website to host the new curriculum materials and supporting resources. Recorded webinars provide supplemental information about new activities and features of the 2020 curriculum, skills evaluations, and FAQs. Visit  www.cpsboard.org  to view the full list of webinars.
    
Scholarships Available for CPS Certification and Recertification Fees   
Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Instructors and Technicians must re-certify every two years. Florida’s recertification rate is below the national average. The OPRC offers scholarships to help with Safe Kids certification and recertification fees, as well as proxy and instructor candidate fees. Scholarships must be applied for before a class begins. Visit the  OPRC scholarship website  to learn more. 
Transportation Safety Center Update
The Florida Department of Transportation recently renewed the Transportation Safety Center (TSC) grant with the goal of assisting six more Florida counties in developing local road safety plans. In the previous contract, the TSC completed local road safety plans for Jackson and Columbia counties. The TSC provided each county with well-received reports that will help them prioritize road improvements that can reduce crashes on their rural roads.  
The TSC primarily focuses on small (<50,000 population) rural counties. Under the new contract, the TSC will work with six counties. Each of the six counties will be the focus of TSC’s efforts in consecutive six-month periods as safety hotspots are identified based on historical crashes and a menu of systemic safety responses is developed to address crash risks. Local road safety plans developed at the TSC engage all stakeholders, bringing to small counties crash reduction methods usually only available to more populated counties. 
The TSC will begin its work under the new contract with Levy County. If you are interested in participating and contributing to this effort, please email the Project PI, Dr. Nithin Agarwal . 
FDOT Research Projects
Image reads FDOT Research Update and has the FDOT logo
Completed FDOT Research Projects, November 2019 - February 2020
















Newly Funded FDOT Research, November 2019 - February 2020




  • Development of a Resilience Index for the Florida Surface Transportation System [link not available]
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