Arkansas to Get $2M for Traffic Safety

Members of Arkansas’ congressional delegation say the state will get more than $2 million to enhance traffic safety.

The announcement said the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Department will get a $1.7 million grant from the federal Transportation Department to continue statewide traffic safety programs.

In addition, the state is to get $384,540 in new funding for driver and passenger safety efforts.

The grant to state police is to support programs that enforce drunk driving, speeding and seat-belt laws and promote traffic safety through education programs and advertising campaigns. Funds will also be distributed to police departments throughout Arkansas to promote and enforce traffic safety.

The announcement said the smaller grant would support programs promoting seat belt and child restraint enforcement, education programs and advertising campaigns. The state qualified for the money because of a new law allowing police to stop motorists if they are not wearing their seat belts.