Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network

Lead Instructor: Rob Kaufman, B.S., Crash Reconstructionist

The Center participates as a site in the CIREN Project, sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the automotive industry. As a member of this network, the Injury Center conducts motor vehicle injury surveillance for occupant injuries among restrained passengers in selected crashes. Detailed crash reconstruction and clinical data are collected and loaded into a national database shared by all sites. Data is used by researchers and automotive engineers to improve the design and engineering of passenger vehicles.

CIREN project staff promote vehicle and safety awareness through outreach and training in the Northwest and nationally. In 2002, Crash Investigator, Rob Kaufman, received the Outreach Award from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Kaufman has been involved in promoting seatbelt use has helped develop and developing a video that emphasizes the importance of using seatbelts. Other efforts include participating in production of radio and television public service announcements to encourage seat belt use for the "Click It or Ticket" project.

Training trauma care workers to provide better transport and triage has been another area of focus. To date, thousands have attended trainings by Seattle CIREN investigators, including surgeons, ER staff, EMS staff, medical examiners, community groups, engineers and automakers, and law enforcement. For more information visit the CIREN web site.