Ohio Traffic Safety Office Awards Over $23 Million in Grants to Improve Roadway Safety

COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) has awarded more than $23 million in federal funding for traffic safety programs across the state for Federal Fiscal Year 2026. These funds, directed to OTSO by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will support a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.

A total of 195 grants were awarded:

• 166 grants to 150 different local agencies in 68 counties
• 29 grants to support statewide initiatives

Included in that was the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, which received just under $36,000.

The grants target key traffic safety priorities, including impaired driving, seat belt usage, speeding, distracted driving, youthful driving, and motorcycle safety – which are among the top contributors to fatal crashes on Ohio’s roadways.

“From high visibility enforcement to a variety of traffic safety education initiatives, this funding gives our local partners the tools they need to address the risks on our roads,” said Governor DeWine. “We are proud to support the work that ultimately helps more Ohioans get home safely every day.”

Programs that will be funded with OTSO’s traffic safety grants include:

• Statewide Programming ($12,465,905.30) – 29 grants awarded to 19 agencies (including five state agencies) to conduct education, enforcement, and awareness initiatives statewide to address traffic safety-related priorities.
• Impaired Driving Enforcement and Selective Traffic Enforcement Program ($5,540,376.76) – 96 grants awarded to 61 sheriff’s offices and 35 police departments to fund overtime enforcement targeting impaired driving, speeding, seat belt use, and other high-risk behaviors.
• Summer Holiday Enforcement Program ($225,876.33) – 13 grants awarded to local police departments for summer overtime enforcement to reduce fatal crashes.
• Dedicated Traffic Enforcement Program ($141,665.33) – 2 grants awarded for a pilot program funding dedicated traffic enforcement officers, with a step-down funding model over three years.
• Countywide OVI Task Forces ($2,395,594.02) – 10 grants awarded to agencies conducting high visibility enforcement and public awareness campaigns focused on impaired driving.
• Safe Community programs ($2,321,620.00) – 44 grants awarded to local coalitions to deliver year-round traffic safety education and outreach at the community level.

The FFY 2026 grant cycle was open to state agencies, non-profits, colleges, universities, hospitals, political subdivisions, and other eligible organizations in counties with high rates of fatal crashes.

“These grants are a strategic investment in the safety of everyone who uses Ohio’s roadways,” said Emily Davidson, OTSO director. “Our goal is to empower communities to take action against the leading causes of traffic crashes and save lives through education, enforcement and innovation.”

For a complete list of agencies receiving grants, please visit otso.ohio.gov/grants/FFY2026-Award-List.pdf

Since taking office, Governor DeWine has prioritized increased funding for roadway safety programs. This year, the Governor awarded $6 million in state-funded grants to help teens and young drivers from low-income families enroll in driver training through the “Drive to Succeed” scholarship program.