On August 28, 2025, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), a division of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, announced the distribution of $33.5 million in federal grant funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2025–2026 federal fiscal year.

These funds, will support over 415 grants awarded to law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners across Tennessee, including approximately $3 million for statewide highway safety education and public awareness campaigns. According to TDOSHS Commissioner Jeff Long, the grants reflect a commitment to enhancing road safety by equipping communities with resources to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

THSO Director Buddy Lewis emphasized that the funds will bolster traffic safety education, advocacy, training, and enforcement initiatives to improve driver behavior and work toward zero roadway deaths. Eligible applicants, including traffic safety advocates, non-profits, emergency responders, law enforcement, and district attorneys, receive these funds based on data-driven criteria and highway safety standards to support the THSO’s mission.

Below is a full list of departments and how much they will receive: