Alabama Begins Pilot School Bus Seat Belt Study
OccupationalHealth&Safety.com – July 30
The University Transportation Center for Alabama, headquartered at The University of Alabama, is conducting a pilot study to assess the impact of installation of lap/shoulder seat belts on a limited number of Alabama school buses…”This is a ground-breaking research project in safety for the state of Alabama,” explained Dr. Dan Turner, professor of civil engineering and the principle investigator of the research team. “Five states throughout the country now have laws that require some form of seat belts in school buses. The University of Alabama team is reviewing the effectiveness of different types and uses of seat belts in these states, and UA is using technology to gather information about school bus seat belt use and safety in Alabama. Our state is concerned about the safety of our kids, and we’re leading the nation by proactively reviewing safe transportation methods.”…
Home buyers in Birmingham area increasingly turning to FHA loans
Birmingham News – July 30
…Nationally, FHA loans now represent 10 percent of total mortgage applications, triple the volume of last year, said Grayson Glaze, director of the Center for Real Estate at the University of Alabama. The reason? The FHA program offers government protection by insuring a portion of mortgage loans, requires less money down and features lower credit standards. “FHA loan applications continue to rapidly increase, a trend that will likely continue for the foreseeable future,” Glaze said. “Since September, total FHA mortgage applications have already outpaced the total inquiries from the prior year.” FHA loans appeal to first-time home buyers, those with down-payment limitations, and consumers with less-than-perfect credit, Glaze said…
UA Builds More Bus Shelters
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – July 29
The University of Alabama is adding seven bus shelters at the Crimson Ride stops on UA’s campus…
Area student journalists honored at conference
Montgomery Advertiser – July 30
Saint James student Bo Ingram was named best writer/reporter at the Alabama Scholastic Press Association’s (ASPA) summer journalism workshop, held at the University of Alabama on July 18-20…