Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the California Office of Traffic Safety $1,468,737.58 under the National Priority Safety Programs (CFDA 20.616) formula grant program, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2029. This Section 405(b) Occupant Protection Grant supports California's state highway safety office in implementing evidence-based countermeasure strategies and comprehensive traffic safety programs designed to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities across the state. The funding is allocated based on statutory apportionment formulas and requires the state to meet specific eligibility criteria related to seat belt use categories.

The grant funds support California's execution of an approved Triennial Highway Safety Plan and Annual Grant Application that detail problem identification, performance measures, public engagement strategies, and targeted countermeasure initiatives. Deliverables include the planning, coordination, and implementation of occupant protection programs in partnership with local agencies and community organizations, along with data-driven interventions and public education campaigns aimed at improving highway safety outcomes. As the designated state highway safety office, the California Office of Traffic Safety administers these federal resources to address occupant protection as a national highway safety priority, with reimbursement provided on a claims basis for eligible costs incurred during the four-year performance period.