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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded a $156,461.12 Section 405(b) Occupant Protection Formula Grant to the Puerto Rico Traffic Safety Commission, under CFDA 20.600 State and Community Highway Safety program. The grant supports certain costs associated with Puerto Rico's occupant protection programs, consistent with federal regulations. Funding will be used to implement highway safety initiatives across the territory, including increasing seat belt usage, deterring impaired driving, and administering alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. The Puerto Rico Traffic Safety Commission's division, Administracion De Compensaciones POR Accidentes De Automoviles, will serve as the sub-awardee and execute these programs in partnership with the Puerto Rico Commission of Volunteerism and Community Service. The grant has a performance period of 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.