NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has awarded the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) more than $2 to improve highway safety and reduce traffic accidents, injuries and deaths.  

    “New Jersey has some of the most congested roads in the country,” Sen. Lautenberg said. “We need to do all we can to protect our drivers and passengers and these grants will help keep them safe.  I will continue to fight for funding to make our highways safer and more secure.”

    Senator Menendez said: “Our state has some of the most nation’s heavily used roadways, and we need to make sure they are kept as safe as possible. This federal investment will allow New Jersey to direct resources to a number of programs that help reduce accidents and increase safety.”
   
    New Jersey is receiving these federal funds through the 402 State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program, which is part of the Highway Safety Act.  According to 402’s guidelines, the NJDOT can spend these funds in nine priority areas:

• Alcohol countermeasures

• Driver and passenger protection

• Police traffic services (e.g. enforcement)

• Emergency medical services

• Traffic records

• Motorcycle safety

• Pedestrian and bicycle safety

• Non-construction aspects of roadway safety

• Speed control

   
    Earlier this month, the New Jersey Senators announced more than $1 million in federal funds for programs to enhance traffic safety in New Jersey, particularly programs that protect children.

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