In a notable move to bolster road safety initiatives, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is funneling a significant sum into education and enforcement. As reported by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Commissioner Jeff Long of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) heralded the disbursement of $33.5 million in federal dollars secured from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the fiscal year 2025–2026.
Over 415 federal grants, collectively surpassing $33 million, were earmarked for myriad law enforcement agencies and highway safety cohorts throughout Tennessee. Long mentioned, “These grant dollars represent our commitment to protecting lives in every corner of Tennessee.” Approximately $3 million from these allocations is dedicated to media grants, which aim to propel public awareness campaigns and broader highway safety education efforts. Moreover, the full details of the awards and beneficiaries are public on THSO’s website.
Buddy Lewis, the Director of THSO, affirmed the significance of these grants in a statement that delineates further allocation details. “These funds will be used to increase traffic safety education, public awareness, advocacy, training, and enforcement initiatives to improve driver behavior and protect Tennessee roadways.” This capital infusion is a boon to entities ranging from non-profits to district attorneys, all vying for funds through meticulous grant applications that meet THSO’s stringent criteria and safety benchmarks…