Safe & Active Transport Research

HIPRC research engages with changing technology, policies, and behavior in support of safe and active transportation.

The Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center (HIPRC) with partners to reduce traffic and transportation injury risk, encourage safe travel and improve the safety for active transportation modes (such as walking, biking and public transport). Our Center’s areas of research include emerging road traffic challenges such as distraction, marijuana impairment, concussion; the safety impact of transportation infrastructure; and innovation in measuring pedestrian/bicycle exposure.

To accomplish these goals, we rely on community and research partnerships and a strong methods core with expertise in large data linkage, imputation, simulation, machine learning and artificial intelligence strategies. Our work ultimately seeks to prevent traffic-related injury and death, with an emphasis on health equity. Together, we aim to do this through collaborative research, education and public awareness.

Booster Seat Safety

BoosterSeat.org | Car Seat and Booster Seat Guides

This featured program offers tips for choosing the right car seat or booster seat, following Washington’s booster seat laws, and accessing local and national resources.

Visit the site & learn more, available in English and Spanish.

Bike Safety

Every bicycle ride begins with putting on a helmet. It’s important that you ensure a proper fit. Size can vary between manufacturers. Take time to ensure a proper fit—your life is worth it!  It’s usually easiest to look in the mirror or have someone help you to adjust the helmet. Learn more by visiting our Bicycle Safety Topic Resource Page >>

E-Scooter Safety

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are scooters powered by an electric motor. It’s important to prioritize safety while riding them. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned rider, taking precautions and following guidelines can help ensure a safe ride. Learn more by visiting our E-Scooter Safety Topic Resource Page.

Boat Safety

As a boat operator, passenger, or concerned individual, YOU can help prevent injury on our waterways.When boating in open water such as lakes, rivers, ponds, Puget Sound, and the ocean — you can never be totally safe, but you can be better prepared. Learn more about how to stay safe on the open water while boating by visiting our Boating Safety Topic Resource Page >>

Distracted Driving

Distracted Driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roadways. Learn to drive distraction-free & take the pledge! Learn more by visiting our Distracted Driving Awareness Topic Resource Page >>

Motor Vehicle Safety

When behind the wheel of a car, alone or with passengers, driving safely should always be a top concern.

Motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths are preventable. There are proven strategies that can help prevent these injuries and deaths. Learn more by visiting our Motor Vehicle Safety Topic Resource Page >>

Pedestrian Safety

We All Have a Role to Play! Together, we can keep pedestrians and students SAFE! Learn more by visiting our Pedestrian Safety Topic Resource Page >>

Safe & Active Transport News

Surge in E-Scooter and Bike Injuries Sparks Helmet Safety Reminder – KIRO-TV

In a recent interview with KIRO 7, HIPRC Core Faculty member Dr. Beth Ebel highlighted a sharp rise in e-scooter and bike-related injuries at Harborview, noting that many patients weren’t wearing helmets. She emphasized the…

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From Sidewalk to ICU: Bike and Scooter Crashes

Harborview Medical Center reports a surge of accidents involving two-wheel vehicles, many driven by people not wearing a helmet. Yann Gorbatov is like many 13-year-old boys: He loves playing basketball, hanging out with friends and…

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Dr. Beth Ebel Shares E-Scooter Safety on KING 5-TV

Electric scooters are a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around—but they come with real safety risks. In a recent KING5-Seattle interview, Dr. Beth Ebel, UW Medicine Pediatrician and HIPRC Faculty, breaks down what riders…

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Keep Your Little Ones Safe: Free Car Seat Check-Up Events in 2025

Did you know that most car seats are not installed correctly? Ensuring your child’s car seat is properly secured can significantly reduce the risk of injury in a crash. That’s why Safe Kids Seattle &…

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Wear a Helmet, Don’t Drink and Ride: The Preventable Perils of E-Scooters (Seattle Times Opinion)

In a new Seattle Times Opinion-Editorial, Dr. Beth Ebel, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine and a researcher at Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, emphasizes the critical importance…

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INSIGHT HS Alum Collaborates with HIPRC Researchers to Promote Active Transportation Safety

The UW Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center (HIPRC) is committed to reducing injury and violence through empowering the next generation of public health leaders. This past summer, a 2023 INSIGHT High School Alum, William…

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