The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) have announced $17.8 million in grant awards to support highway traffic safety efforts. ASAP of Anderson County is pleased to be the recipient of a $23,338.17 grant for FY 2016. This will be the second time ASAP will receive this funding. This year, by using these funds, ASAP was able to implement the One Text or Call Can Wreck It All campaign where high school students signed a pledge not to text and drive. In a post campaign survey, 97.3% of students who admitted to texting and driving said that the amount they text and drive after the campaign decreased or stopped all together after taking the pledge. The Drive Drunk, Get Nailed event at the Demolition Derby at the Anderson County Fair this summer and the Be A Parent, Not A Peer campaign as well as other initiatives have also been made possible by these grant funds.
In total, 437 grants for 376 recipients were awarded for FY 2016. “These grants help fund a variety of enforcement, legal and education initiatives across the state,” TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. “All of these efforts, from DUI prosecution, to speed enforcement, to child passenger safety training, support the mission of saving lives and reducing injuries on our roads through partnership with numerous public and private organizations.” The GHSO receives the funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The office takes applications annually and reviews and scores them along with “external highway safety advocates”. “Tennessee’s decline in traffic fatalities has occurred because of the dedication and commitment from our partners across the state,” GHSO Director Kendell Poole said. “They are coming up with ideas and programs that are creative, innovative and solid. They are the foundation for the culture and safety on our roads, and I am ecstatic that we are able to support their endeavors.”
To learn more about ASAP of Anderson County please call 865-457-3007.