RIDOT is working with community-based organizations to develop seat belt public education campaigns. The Department is making $1 million available over a four-year period for programs that increase seat belt usage, including proper usage of child seats.

The funds are made available by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and came with the passage of a primary seat belt law in 2011. Also with passage of the primary seat belt law, RIDOT pledged to commit funds for seat belt education in communities with a high population of low income, minorities and non-English speaking persons. These communities include Central Falls, Cranston, East Providence, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, West Warwick and Woonsocket.

To kickoff the third round of grant awards, RIDOT will host three community workshops in May 2013. Attendance to at least one of these meetings is required for organizations seeking grant funding. The dates and locations of the meetings is as follows:

• Wednesday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Rhode Island Indian Council, 807 Broad St., Providence
• Thursday, May 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Cape Verdean American Community Development Agency, 120 High St., Pawtucket
• Friday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Boys and Girls Club of Newport, 95 Church St., Newport

Download the meeting flyer:

• English
• English

Anyone with questions about the grant program can contact Elvys Ruiz at 401-222-3024, ext. 4441 or sending email to elvys.ruiz@dot.ri.gov.

Grant Program Toolbox

• Read the press release announcing this grant program
• Download an HS-1 application form
• Seat Belt Fact Sheet