DOT awards funding for rural road safety initiative

Sep 14, 2008

Grants totaling $14.7 million will be awarded to some states to add safety technology and warning systems near dangerous rural intersections and curves, federal transportation officials announced Aug. 27.

The funding will be allocated among 14 states, three counties and two parishes as part of the Department of Transportation's Rural Safety Innovation Program.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fatality rate for rural crashes is more than twice the fatality rate for urban crashes. Rural motor vehicle crashes often involve drivers who are speeding, impaired and/or not wearing seat belts.