The National Safety Council secured three significant federal pass-through grants totaling over $900,000 to expand its employer traffic safety program, Our Driving Concern.

ODC works to increase awareness of the impact of traffic crashes on employers, equip companies with tools to keep their employees safe on the road and improve transportation safety outcomes. The three grants have been awarded to NSC from the Texas Department of Transportation, Ohio Department of Public Safety, and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

The awards are the result of inclusion in each state’s highway safety plan priority programs funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“We are honored to receive these three federal pass-through grants,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC. “State and federal funds like this enhance the Council’s work with government partners to contribute to a reduction in crashes, serious injuries and fatalities. With occupational transportation incidents accounting for nearly 40% of all workplace deaths, it cannot be overstated how important the expansion of this program is.”

The funds will be used as follows: 

• TxDOT awarded NSC $711,420 to continue a 16-year partnership to enhance employer traffic safety in Texas. This funding provides free training and traffic safety resources to reduce risky driving behavior, save money and most importantly, save lives. 

• Ohio Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety awarded NSC $157,156 in highway traffic safety funding for FFY2024. This funding will create an Employer Traffic Safety Program tailored to the highest traffic crash risks in Ohio, including seat belt use, speeding and distraction.

• Louisiana Highway Safety Commission awarded NSC with $80,000 to address impaired driving. In 2021, more than 40% of the motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana were alcohol-related. NSC will create evidence-based training, tools and resources for employers to educate their employees and the community on the impacts of impaired driving.