In a notable push for road safety, North Carolina's Governor Josh Stein recently announced that over $25 million in grants have been awarded to support safer roadways throughout the state. According to a press release from the Governor's Office, these funds, dispensed through the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP), are aimed at reducing traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities via educational initiatives, heightened enforcement, and bolstering community engagement.
"No matter what form of transportation they choose, every North Carolinian should be able to travel safely each day," Governor Stein said, emphasizing the grants' focus on establishing a secure travel environment. The Department of Transportation's Secretary, Daniel Johnson, expressed a similar sentiment, "Identifying and implementing improvements that increase the safety of the traveling public is one of NC DOT’s top priorities," citing the state’s Vision Zero ambition to eliminate traffic deaths entirely.
A total of 119 grants will be distributed among various recipients including state and local law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, and educational entities. Key projects set to receive this funding are the Raleigh Police Department’s Impaired Motorist Prevention and Control Team (IMPACT), 'Our Driving Concern' – a consortium of employers advocating for safer driving behaviors, and a media campaign to enlighten drivers about road safety and North Carolina's Move Over Law.
"These grants provide law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and government partners with tools to combat unsafe driving behaviors," GHSP Director Mark Ezzell pointed out. He further noted, that these investments into community-specific remedies, pave the way for safer roads for all state residents. Often used as initial funding for new traffic safety programs, the grantees typically cover a portion of the project costs, and are expected to sustain these initiatives once GHSP’s support concludes, as per the Governor's Office.
Those interested in applying for future funding should take note; GHSP will open applications for grants in early January for the 2027 federal fiscal year, which kicks off on October 1, 2026.
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