PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to improve traffic safety and enhance road safety conditions, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced that Rhode Island will receive more than $1.65 million in federal MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century) funding.  The funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to support traffic and vehicle safety programs throughout the state.

“These federal funds will help support critical traffic safety programs and enhance safety conditions for Rhode Island drivers and pedestrians.  I will continue working to end partisan gridlock in Congress and provide the resources our communities need to ensure the safety of our roads and repair infrastructure,” said Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD).  “This is a smart investment that will help the state continue to support and enhance highway safety policies and programs that help reduce the number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities.”

According to newly released statistics from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office, the number of driving-related fatalities in Rhode Island decreased 20 percent last year, to the lowest number in a decade.  65 driving-related fatalities were reported in 2013 and 52 in 2014.   The Attorney General’s office also reported that the number has dropped from a high of 104 fatalities in 2003.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s (RIDOT) Office on Highway Safety may use the federal funds to address various highway safety issues and improve the timeliness, accuracy, uniformity, integration, and accessibility of state safety information.  The federal funds may also support education and prevention efforts in traffic safety priority areas such as: seat belt use, impaired driving, motorcycle safety, and educating young drivers.

The programs awarded funding include:

Highway Safety: $980,332

Impaired Driving Countermeasures: $511,378

State Traffic Safety Information Systems: $142,520

Motorcyclist Safety: $16,113

 TOTAL: $1,650,343

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