News Summary
Savannah has received a grant of $193,771.60 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to enhance road safety as part of the H.E.A.T. initiative. The funding will support the Savannah Police Department’s efforts to reduce traffic crashes, focusing on impaired driving, speeding, and seat belt use. The initiative includes participation in awareness campaigns and mobilizations throughout the year to promote safer driving behaviors in the community.
Savannah has received a significant boost in funding to enhance road safety through a grant totaling $193,771.60. This financial support, announced by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), is part of the Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) initiative and is designated for Federal Fiscal Year 2026, which will run from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
Savannah is one of 26 law enforcement agencies in Georgia that will receive this grant. The funds will be utilized by the Savannah Police Department’s H.E.A.T Unit to create and implement strategies aimed at reducing traffic crashes resulting from aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors. The focus of the H.E.A.T. program encompasses critical areas such as combating impaired driving, addressing speeding, increasing seat belt use, and educating the public on traffic safety.
Allen Poole, the Director of GOHS, underlined the significance of both enforcement and education in the ongoing effort to reduce traffic incidents and fatalities across the state. The H.E.A.T. initiative specifically targets counties exhibiting high rates of traffic-related incidents, using data related to impaired driving and speeding as part of the grant distribution criteria.
As part of the grant allocation, the Savannah Police Department will actively participate in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” DUI campaign and the “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt campaigns. These campaigns aim to raise awareness among drivers and encourage safer driving practices through heightened visibility and enforcement.
The department is also obligated to conduct a series of mobilizations throughout the year, in collaboration with GOHS. This includes high visibility patrols, multi-jurisdictional road checks, and sobriety checkpoints tailored to enhance road safety and deter reckless behavior on Savannah’s roadways.
This funding is part of a broader state initiative recognizing the alarming rates of traffic incidents and the importance of preventive measures. Each year, traffic-related incidents cause significant injuries and fatalities across Georgia, prompting agencies to escalate their efforts in promoting safe driving behaviors.
For those interested in more information about the H.E.A.T. program or other highway safety initiatives, residents are encouraged to visit the official navigation site of GOHS at www.gahighwaysafety.org or call 404-656-6996.
This increased support reflects the ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety on the roads and reducing the risks associated with aggressive and impaired driving across Savannah and the broader Georgia area.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah Police Receives $193K Grant for DUI Enforcement
- Savannah Now: Tybee Holds Meeting on Traffic Safety Plans
- WJCL: Savannah Pedestrian Crashes Surge
- Planetizen: Savannah Reduces Speed Limits on Streets
- Patch: Risk of Collapse Evaluation Ordered for GA Bridge
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Initiatives Georgia
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Highway Safety
- Google News: Savannah Traffic Safety
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
