Section 405(b) occupant protection grant (23 C.F.R. & 1300.21; 23 U.S.C. & 405(b)) - grant to support certain costs of state occupant protection programs consistent with 23 C.F.R. & 1300.21(f).

This $392,739.82 formula grant award from the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration supports certain costs of New Mexico's occupant protection programs as outlined in 23 CFR 1300.21 and 23 USC 405(b). The funding period is from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2026.

Under the National Priority Safety Programs formula grant, the New Mexico Department of Transportation will use these funds to conduct statewide pre- and post-seat belt observation surveys around the annual Click It or Ticket national seat belt enforcement mobilization. Preusser Research Group, Inc. will perform the surveys and produce an annual report using NHTSA-approved methods. Additionally, Marketing Solutions, LLC will develop paid media such as television, radio, print, and billboard advertisements on occupant protection issues during the Click It or Ticket mobilization. The grant supports efforts to increase seat belt usage in New Mexico through enforcement and public education campaigns.