The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has received $2,862,037 in grant funding from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). The funds come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and are managed by GOHS.
Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health, said, “This long-standing, unique partnership between Highway Safety and Public Health helps promote a safer Georgia. This programmatic support has made a difference for Georgians and continues to save lives and prevent injuries.”
The grant supports programs that aim to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths in Georgia. Allen Poole, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, stated, “Innovative projects like these are designed with the intent for Georgia and our nation to reach the realistic goal of zero traffic deaths by the middle of this century. Each life saved on our roads is one less family that will have to live with the pain of losing a loved one whose life was taken from them in a traffic crash that was completely preventable.”
The awarded grant period runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
In 2023, there were 1,615 motor vehicle fatalities in Georgia. This represents a decrease of 10% compared to 2022; however, Georgia remains fourth highest in motor vehicle fatalities nationally. Data show that unrestrained occupants are much more likely to die in crashes than those who use restraints. Nearly half—47%—of people fatally injured were not wearing seat belts at the time.
More information about injury prevention can be found at https://dph.georgia.gov/health-topics/injury-prevention-program or https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/.
