CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Millions of federal dollars are going toward transportation safety initiatives across the state.
The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program is awarding more than 100 grants to improve and make the roads safer for drivers. From drinking and driving awareness campaigns to increasing resources for police to tackling speeding -- the goal of these grants is to make sure everybody is safe getting to where they're going, no matter how they get there.
“Your transportation really refers to any way people have of getting around; it could be in a car, could be in a truck, on a bicycle, or even simply walking. They all have safety concerns,” said Joe Stewart, board chair for the North Carolina Alliance for Safe Transportation (NCAST).
Improving transportation safety is the goal.
“Simply put, to make our roads and highways safer by identifying ways to address very serious traffic safety concerns in North Carolina,” said Stewart.
The program is awarding more than $23 million to support initiatives. These grants are given to state and local agencies, law enforcement, and community organizations.
NCAST is one group getting money. Stewart said their grant of about $308,000 will go towards community outreach for highway safety planning activities.
“We sit down with local community leaders and we say 'What do you think the challenges are that you face here locally, relative to traffic safety,'” he said. “As you might imagine, people who are living these challenges every single day have a far greater perspective on what the possible solution to the problem is.”
The organization is also working on an awareness campaign focused on teen drivers.
“They're not reckless by their nature, they're just inexperienced,” Stewart said. “So many times, the communication to a teen driver is simply to remember that they need to be cautious that they need to obey all traffic laws, that they need to avoid distractions. Not only when they are driving but also when they are a passenger.”
BikeWalkNC is also a recipient of the grants. The organization said investing in biking infrastructure, accessibility, and education will improve safety overall.
“Charlotte in itself is growing, North Carolina is growing to be a more urban, populated area, said program director Laila Horton, "so having an area that is bike safe and super walkable is important for future generations."
The nonprofit is an advocacy group for bicyclists and pedestrians. The organization’s goal is to create a healthy and safe environment for walkers and riders.
“Just like you want to get home, these bicyclists and walkers want to get home as well,” said Horton.
The organization is getting a grant for about $254,000 to improve transportation safety. Horton said the money will go towards its annual transportation summit and its bicycle-friendly driver program, an interactive course that goes over the laws for drivers and bicyclists, driving habits, and how to avoid crashes.
“Scanning and yielding are the two main things you should be utilizing when you are driving and when you are in the presence of bicyclists and pedestrians,” Horton said.
In classes, she emphasizes what it means for drivers to share the road with bicyclists.
“With the lack of that knowledge when they get on the road when they see bicyclists who join the road that they are comfortable on -- they are honking, they are beeping they are rude,” said Horton. “They are making it an uncomfortable riding environment.”
Through education and awareness, Horton hopes more drivers and bicyclists learn to co-exist.
CMPD is also on the list for several projects, the agency is getting more than $825,000 in grant money to fund a DWI task force, a teen safe driving project, and traffic safety initiatives to name a few.
In all, 108 grants were awarded to groups across the state. For the full list, click here.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.