Maryland will receive a major federal grant to improve road safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the funding this week. The state is set to get nearly $11.7 million for Fiscal Year 2026.
This money is part of a nationwide effort to reduce traffic crashes. It will support critical programs targeting dangerous driving behaviors across the state.
Breaking Down the Federal Traffic Safety Investment
The total authorized amount for Maryland is $11,680,119.98. This funding comes from two key federal sources. According to the NHTSA, one stream provides $5.9 million for general highway safety.
Another $5.7 million is allocated for national priority safety programs. NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison stated these grants help states address local roadway hazards. The funds empower local authorities to tackle specific, critical issues they identify.
How Maryland Will Use the Traffic Safety Funds
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office will manage the funds. This investment directly supports the state’s Vision Zero goal. The ambitious plan aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030.
The money will fund high-visibility enforcement campaigns. These efforts target impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving. Other programs focus on increasing seat belt use and proper child safety seat installation.
Additional initiatives include enhanced data collection to spot crash trends. Funding will also support training for enforcing move-over laws. This protects first responders and roadside workers.
The grants will become available to states starting October 1. This is the beginning of the next fiscal year. The distribution is pending final Congressional appropriation.
This federal investment provides a significant boost to Maryland’s ongoing efforts to create safer roads for everyone. The new traffic safety funding will be instrumental in saving lives and preventing serious injuries across the state.
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What is the main goal of this federal funding?
The primary goal is to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. It supports state-level programs that address local roadway hazards and dangerous driving behaviors. The funding aligns with Maryland’s own Vision Zero initiative.
Which agency in Maryland manages these funds?
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MVA) Highway Safety Office typically administers the federal grants. This office is responsible for distributing the funds to various safety programs.
What specific programs does this grant support?
It supports high-visibility enforcement against impaired and distracted driving. The money also funds seat belt and child car seat safety initiatives. Additional programs include data analysis and move-over law training.
When will Maryland receive the money?
The $11.7 million in traffic safety funds will be available starting October 1, 2025. This marks the beginning of the federal government’s 2026 fiscal year. The release is pending final Congressional appropriation.
How does this funding help first responders?
Part of the grant will fund training for enforcing move-over laws. These laws require drivers to move over for stopped emergency vehicles. This directly enhances the safety of police, firefighters, and tow truck operators.
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