Lakehead U Researcher Receives Funding for Safe Transportation for Seniors Project
(Thunder Bay - June 20, 2005) A Lakehead University researcher has received national funding for his work with older adults and driving safety. Dr. Michel Bédard has received over $300,000 for his Safe Transportation for Seniors project from AUTO 21 Network of Centers of Excellence.
Injuries due to motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of accidental death for older people. When older vehicle occupants are injured, their recovery time is longer and less complete than younger people and can lead to a loss of independence and greater reliance on the health care and social service systems.
Dr. Bédard, a psychology professor specializing in aging and health, is coordinating the team, which was recently awarded funding of $370,826 from the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence and several industry supporters. Dr. Jan Miller Polgar of the University of Western Ontario is the project's co-leader .
"AUTO21 is pleased to support this outstanding project," said Dr. Peter Frise, Program Leader and CEO, AUTO21. "It will generate key information for Canada's automotive sector while providing training opportunities for the student researchers who will assist with the investigation."
AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence is a federal organizations focusing on automotive research. More than 230 researchers and close to 400 student researchers at 37 universities across the country contribute to the Network. The research occurs in six key areas: health, safety and injury prevention; societal issues; materials and manufacturing; design processes; powertrains, fuels, and emissions; and intelligent systems and sensors.
Members of the Media: Dr. Bédard is currently unavailable for interviews in person until later in June. Please contact Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177 if you wish to set up a phone interview for later this week, or an in-person interview later this month.
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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113.