Tennessee Highway Safety Office Announces $25 Million in Federal Grant Funds to Support Highway Safety Education and Enforcement Statewide

On October 28, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), a division of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS), announced $25 million in federal grant funds to be distributed statewide from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2026-2027federal fiscal year.

"Our distribution of these federal grant funds reflect our commitment to protecting people across Tennessee," said TDOSHS Commissioner Jeff Long. "By supporting state and local partners through the THSO, we're helping communities reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and save lives. These funds will strengthen the traffic safety programs and initiatives statewide that make Tennessee roadways safer."

Over 350 federal grants exceeding $25 million in total have been awarded to law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners across Tennessee. Approximately $3 million in media grant funds will be allocated for statewide highway safety education and public awareness campaigns.

"The THSO is pleased to announce the allocation of federal grant funds to support our traffic safety partners across Tennessee," said THSO Director Buddy Lewis. "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. These partnerships are essential to saving lives as we strive toward zero deaths."

Every year, traffic safety advocates, non-profit organizations, emergency response personnel, law enforcement, district attorneys general, and other agencies across Tennessee seek funding through grant applications offered by the THSO. Applicants who meet the required data-driven criteria and highway safety standards are awarded grant funds to support the THSO's mission to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.