TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — 2025 was another deadly year on Gem State roads, with 256 traffic-related deaths.
The Idaho Transportation Department aims to reduce that to zero. To do so, ITD has opened applications for its annual traffic safety grants.
“They are for behavioral safety programs that focus on how we drive. It’s the people that we’re targeting with these grants to help educate and bring awareness about traffic safety,” Josephine Middleton, manager of the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety, said.
The grants support education programs and campaigns that encourage safe driving. Middleton said 50% of the grants go to law enforcement.
“Specifically supporting the enforcement of efforts but they also do engagement and outreach with their communities, letting them know why they are participating in these grants because of the specific problems for their areas,” Middleton said.
Other groups can apply for traffic safety grants, including nonprofits, hospital injury-prevention coordinators and student organizations. Middleton said they use crash data to determine which projects the funds should be directed toward.
“Most crashes in Idaho are typically aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving-related,” Middleton said.
Other focus areas include child passenger safety, bicycle and pedestrian safety, motorcycle safety, young drivers, EMS post-crash care and seat belts.
“We lose about 75 or so people a year, just because they are not buckled up in Idaho,” Middleton said.
Projects can get anywhere from $1,000 to $300,000. Middleton said the grant money is essential to help promote traffic safety across Idaho communities.
“We know people want to do something and this helps those organizations, those cities, and county governments who are concerned about traffic safety,” Middleton said.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 27. To apply, visit the Idaho Transportation Department’s website.
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