Dr. Richard Compton Receives 2015 Robert F. Borkenstein Award
The National Safety Council cited his research on human factors and programs to reduce impaired driving casualties.
The National Safety Council's Alcohol, Drugs and Impairment Division has named Dr. Richard Compton as the recipient of the 2015 Robert F. Borkenstein Award, citing his research on human factors and programs to reduce injuries and deaths caused by alcohol- and drug-impaired driving.
"Dr. Compton's career is fueled by his passion that science can help save lives, as evidenced by his research on the prevention of needless traffic crashes," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the council. "With the significant and persistent problem of alcohol use contributing to crashes and an increase in prescription painkiller misuse across our nation, impaired driving research led by Dr. Compton informs effective policies that make the roads safer for us all."
Compton first began his career at NHTSA as a research psychologist and since 2002 has been the director of the Office of Behavioral Safety Research. Throughout his career, he has authored and published more than 60 reports, papers, and articles on transportation safety. His alcohol- and drug-impaired driving research includes evaluations of new technologies and examinations of the effectiveness of sanctions, enforcement, and public information and education campaigns.
The award is named for Professor Robert F. Borkenstein, the inventor of the Breathalyzer®. It recognizes individuals who, through a lifetime of service, have made outstanding contributions to the field of alcohol/drugs in relation to traffic and transportation safety. Honorees are selected by members of the Alcohol, Drugs and Impairment Division, a group of toxicologists and other professionals not employed by the National Safety Council.