Tennessee Highway Safety Office Awards $33.5 Million in Federal Grants

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), a division of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, has announced the distribution of $33.5 million in federal grant funds to support highway safety efforts statewide. The funding, provided through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will be allocated for the 2025–2026 federal fiscal year. According to officials, more than 415 grants have been awarded to law enforcement agencies, non-profits, and traffic safety partners across Tennessee. The funding will be used for traffic enforcement, education, advocacy, training, and public awareness campaigns. About $3 million will specifically support statewide media campaigns aimed at reducing crashes and saving lives. Commissioner Jeff Long said the investment demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting Tennesseans on the roadways, while THSO Director Buddy Lewis emphasized the importance of local and state partnerships in the effort to reduce fatalities.