About US

Who We Are

The Florida Occupant Protection Resource Center (OPRC) was established by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in late 2011 at the University of Florida, and open to the public April 6, 2012. The OPRC was created to be a one stop resource center providing equipment/educational/promotional materials on all aspects identified by FDOT as critical strategic highway safety occupant safety elements: child passenger safety (CPS) seats, safety belts, and air bags. Although the initial year's main focus was CPS seat education and seat distribution to qualifying entities, the center will house safety belt and air bag information during the second and following years. Expanded services will include more information/services on safety belts and air bags, a Special Needs Child Safety Seat component, as well as enhancements to CPS services. Education efforts include communicating information on Florida's occupant protection laws, supporting enforcement activities and incentive strategies necessary to achieve significant/lasting increases in CPS seat/safety belt usage.

Purpose

The purpose of the Florida Occupant Protection Resource Center is to assist the citizens of Florida to reduce motor vehicle-related morbidity and mortality by:

  • Reinforcing the importance of proper use of auto restraint systems.
  • Increasing the availability of information about proper child passenger safety seat installation.
  • Providing car seats and booster seats to families with an identified financial need.

Goals & Mission

The goals and mission of the Florida OPRC are as follows:

Goals

  • Create public awareness by encouraging safe transportation through literature and educational items.
  • Support CPS technicians and instructors educate parents and caregivers regarding proper selection and installation of restraints.
  • Provide continuing education opportunities and incentive strategies for CPS technicians and programs.

Mission

Florida's OPRC is dedicated to promoting automobile passenger safety to reduce injury and death of Florida citizens occupying automobiles.