Healey-Driscoll Administration Invests $13 Million to Make Massachusetts Roads Safer

Funding will help communities prevent crashes, strengthen traffic enforcement and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists

BRAINTREE – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $13 million in federal funding to help make roads safer across Massachusetts by preventing crashes, strengthening traffic enforcement and protecting drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The funding will support state and local efforts including high-visibility traffic enforcement – a proven approach that combines strategic and proactive efforts by police addressing specific traffic safety issues combined with public outreach and education, pedestrian and bicyclist safety initiatives, advanced police training, crash investigation tools and education for children, teen drivers and families.

The grants are being awarded through four programs administered by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR): the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program, State Agency Traffic Safety Grant Program, State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements Grant Program and Community Traffic Safety Grant Program. The programs are funded through federal grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“We want to make Massachusetts roads the safest they can be for residents, families, workers and everyone who travels through our communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These investments will give police departments the enforcement tools, training, technology and resources they need to prevent crashes before they happen, address dangerous driving and ultimately save lives.”

“Safe roads are a shared responsibility, and communities need the right resources to address the challenges they see every day,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By bringing together enforcement, education and prevention, we’re helping communities take action to reduce dangerous driving and protect people on our roads.”

“Preventing crashes requires a comprehensive approach that combines effective enforcement with strong training, reliable data and public education,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “These investments give our state and local partners proven tools to address traffic safety risks and help prevent the crashes that can devastate families and communities.”

“We consistently hear from communities about the positive impact of these grants,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton. “We’re proud to provide local communities, nonprofits, and state partners the resources necessary to make Massachusetts roads safer for everyone.”

“Safety will always be a priority and the Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to make crucial investments to deliver on that commitment across the Commonwealth.  As we deliver a multimodal transportation network along with our municipal partners, this funding will provide law enforcement agencies the resources and tools that they need to address dangerous driving, mitigate crashes and prevent injuries. By working together with our law enforcement partners and investing in safer roads, we are taking meaningful steps to protect everyone who use our transportation system – drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders, and ensure that everyone can get where they need to go safely,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng.

“Roadway safety is MassDOT’s top priority and these grants will go a long way to supporting the Commonwealth’s holistic approach toward eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.  “Through a combination of infrastructure design, education, and now, increased enforcement, we continue to make progress toward supporting all elements of our plan to make safer streets for all.”

In addition to these investments, OGR provided 86 state, local and nonprofit hospitals and organizations serving families and children with 2,833 car seats and booster seats to distribute to families in need. Organizations receiving seats through the Child Passenger Safety Education and Assistance Program must have a certified Child Passenger Safety technician on staff who performs car seat checks. OGR also funds CPS technician certification training through the state’s contracted training provider, Baystate Health.

The Municipal Road Safety Program provides local police departments with funding for traffic enforcement, pedestrian and bicyclist safety enforcement, traffic safety equipment, officer training and public education.

The State Agency Traffic Safety Grant Program funds efforts by state agencies that aim to reduce traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries on Massachusetts roads. Funded projects include high-visibility enforcement – a proven approach to reducing traffic crashes and fatalities, compliance checks preventing bars and restaurants from serving underage and intoxicated patrons and advanced training for police.

The State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements Grant Program supports state agencies working to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries on Massachusetts roads. Funded efforts include high-visibility traffic enforcement, compliance checks aimed at preventing the sale of alcohol to underage or intoxicated individuals and advanced law enforcement training.

The Community Traffic Safety Grant Program was launched in 2024 to provide nonprofits with resources to improve the safety of road users in the communities they serve. Funded projects include educational programs for elementary school students, teen drivers and parents, as well as outreach programs in English and Spanish.