Iowa DOT News

Zero Fatalities Iowa received grant for drowsy driving initiative


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Zero Fatalities Iowa is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc. (NRSF) to bolster its drowsy driving prevention efforts. Following a competitive application process and review by a panel of issue experts, the state was one of five to receive funding from this national partnership, along with Georgia, Minnesota, Nebraska and New York.

With its grant, the Iowa departments of transportation, public safety, public health, and the Iowa Insurance Division will expand on Zero Fatalities Iowa’s “Don’t let the Sleepyzzz get you” campaign from 2017 using virtual reality. Partnering with Iowa State University, Zero Fatalities Iowa will produce a 60-90 second virtual reality experience affirming the message that drowsy driving is not a game.

This is the third year of GHSA and NRSF’s grant program, which equips states with resources needed to tackle the challenge of drowsy driving. Programs incorporate best practices identified by GHSA and NRSF, utilizing public awareness campaigns, virtual reality and innovative partnerships to engage key audiences.

“Drowsy driving continues to be a chronic and often overlooked issue on our nation’s roadways,” said GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins. “We are excited to continue this partnership with the National Road Safety Foundation to support innovative state approaches addressing this problem.”

Michelle Anderson, Director of Operations for NRSF, noted, “This year’s grantees were chosen from an outstanding group of applicants dedicated to taking action against fatigued driving. NRSF is glad to provide this funding to support states as they work to keep drowsy drivers off the road.”

Learn more about GHSA and NRSF’s partnership at ghsa.org/resources/partner-initiatives/NRSF.

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Contact: Tracey Bramble at [email protected] or 515-239-1314

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