Federal Grant Award Summary

The Puerto Rico Traffic Safety Commission (operating as CST under Administracion De Compensaciones POR Accidentes De Automoviles) received a Section 405(E) Distracted Driving Awareness Grant totaling $267,494.50 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under the National Priority Safety Programs (CFDA 20.616). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029, supports Puerto Rico's distracted driving prevention initiatives consistent with 23 CFR § 1300.24(f). As a formula grant, this funding is available to Puerto Rico because the territory has enacted and enforces laws prohibiting texting while driving and youth cell phone use while driving.

Under this award, CST delivers distracted driving countermeasure programs designed to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities across Puerto Rico. The funded activities are implemented pursuant to an approved Triennial Highway Safety Plan and Annual Grant Application that identify distracted driving problems, engage public participation, establish performance measures, and specify evidence-based countermeasure strategies. These programs typically encompass public awareness campaigns, law enforcement training and enforcement mobilizations targeting distracted driving violations, and integration of distracted driving testing into the state's driver licensing examinations to support behavioral highway safety interventions.