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)

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded a $105,600.33 Formula Grant under the National Priority Safety Programs (CFDA 20.616) to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). This grant supports RIDOT's occupant protection programs consistent with 23 C.F.R. § 1300.21(f), which aim to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Rhode Island through data-driven, evidence-based countermeasures. Funding is available to qualifying states that meet statutory requirements for high or low seat belt use categories. RIDOT will use the grant to implement occupant protection initiatives outlined in its approved triennial highway safety plan, including public education campaigns, law enforcement training, and enhancement of the state's traffic safety information systems. This grant award covers the period from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2027.

Section 405(b) funding is available to qualifying states that meet statutory requirements for a high or low seat belt use categories. These funds are apportioned using statutory apportionment formula. These funds are provided to the state and territorial highway safety offices based on an approved triennial highway safety plan that details problem identification, public participation and engagement, performance measures, countermeasure strategies for programming funds and an approved annual grant application that details planned projects using identified countermeasure strategies for programming funds to help reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes.