Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer and Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole announced that 376 Tennessee agencies received grant awards totaling $17.8 million to support highway traffic safety efforts, including the city of East Ridge Police Department receiving at total of $22,760.62.
There are multiple elements that contribute to a safe roadway system, including an accurate traffic safety data collection and analysis system, well-trained and well-equipped law enforcement personnel, and effective emergency medical and trauma systems. A major part of roadway safety is educating motorists about laws and good driving behaviors, said officials.
"These grants help fund a variety of enforcement, legal, and educational initiatives across the state," Commissioner Schroer said. "All of these efforts, from DUI prosecution, to speed enforcement, to child passenger safety training, support the mission of saving lives and reducing injuries on our roads through partnership with numerous public and private organizations."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the funding to GHSO. The grants, totaling 437 for the 2015-2016 funding cycle, were awarded to 376 agencies that successfully applied for funding based on a defined problem and statistical need. Each year, GHSO accepts applications from agencies across the state for available highway safety funds. Applications are reviewed and scored by GHSO and external highway safety advocates. The agencies that meet funding criteria received awards.
“Tennessee’s decline in traffic fatalities has occurred because of the dedication and commitment from our partners across the state,” Mr. Poole said. “They are coming up with ideas and programs that are creative, innovative, and solid. They are the foundation for the culture of safety on our roads, and I am ecstatic that we are able to support their endeavors.”
The city of East Ridge Police Department received two of those awards for Distracted Driving and Alcohol Enforcement projects totaling $22,760.62 to promote awareness in the local high school as well as events involving the public.
“We want to impress upon the young people and even those that can’t live without their phones that a text can wait,” Community Involvement Coordinator Amanda Miller stated. “Also during the spring and summer months, accidents involving alcohol start to rise, especially around prom and graduation.
"We want to remind students that we want them to Arrive Alive, whether it’s to the party or coming home from one. Our plan is to have a community event as well as a school event to remind students and families about the dangers of texting while driving or drinking and driving. We want everyone to Arrive Alive!”
For a complete list and description of each grant, visit: http://tntrafficsafety.org/sites/default/files/fy_2016_ghso_grant_awards.pdf.