North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced Thursday that the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) has awarded over $25 million in grants to enhance transportation safety across the state.
The programs, launched on October 1, a news release said, aim to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities through education, enforcement, and community initiatives.
“No matter what form of transportation they choose, every North Carolinian should be able to travel safely each day,” Stein said. “These grants will help us reduce traffic fatalities in North Carolina.”
This comes as a new study ranks North Carolina among the nation’s most reckless states for distracted driving. The state ranks 5th with 17 percent of drivers admitting to watching sports on their phones while driving, contributing to over 226,000 crashes last year.
“Identifying and implementing improvements that increase the safety of the traveling public is one of NC DOT’s top priorities,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson. “These grants can help North Carolina achieve its long-range Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities.”
The 119 grants will support projects such as the Raleigh Police Department’s Impaired Motorist Prevention and Control Team (IMPACT), a coalition of employers promoting safe driving, and a statewide media campaign to educate drivers about roadside safety and the Move Over Law.
Applications for the 2027 federal fiscal year grants will open in January.
