Summary of Federal Formula Grant Award

The Ohio Department of Public Safety received $919,156.99 in funding under the Section 405(E) Distracted Driving Awareness Grant, administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the National Priority Safety Programs (CFDA 20.616). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029, supports the implementation and enforcement of Ohio's distracted driving prevention initiatives. The grant funds state-level distracted driving programs designed to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities resulting from distracted driving behaviors. To qualify for this funding, Ohio must maintain and enforce laws prohibiting texting while driving and/or youth cell phone use while driving, and may also incorporate distracted driving components into the state's driver licensing examination.

The funded activities are guided by Ohio's approved Triennial Highway Safety Plan and annual grant applications, which identify specific countermeasure strategies, performance measures, and targeted projects aligned with national highway safety priorities. These initiatives are developed in coordination with the state highway safety office and are subject to NHTSA review and approval. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, with Ohio submitting vouchers for eligible costs incurred in implementing the distracted driving programs. Records related to the award must be retained for three years following submission of final expenditure reports and project deliverables.