Vision Zero grants: how they fund road safety technology for cities

Road safety grants are a powerful catalyst for cities and public agencies looking to pilot new technologies that advance Vision Zero goals. Unlike traditional funding programs, grants from federal agencies, foundations, and private partners enable jurisdictions to deploy innovative, data-driven solutions tailored to local needs.

For agencies facing limited budgets and competing priorities, these grants provide a practical path to test road safety technologies. This includes automated enforcement systems, connected vehicle pilots, enhanced crash data (such as driver behavior insights), targeted enforcement tools, and analytics platforms that identify high-risk corridors and measure the impact of safety interventions.

Why Vision Zero grants matter:

Flexibility: Many grant programs allow funding for planning, pilot projects, and proof-of-concept initiatives. This helps public agencies test and evaluate road safety solutions before scaling them through larger federal programs or capital projects.
Leverage: Grants can be combined with local or private funding to reduce project risk and attract technology partners, consultants, and vendors with specialized expertise.
Building evidence: Funded pilots generate the data and performance metrics agencies need to support larger investments, refine safety strategies (infrastructure, enforcement, education), and demonstrate measurable community impact.
Capacity building: Some grant opportunities include technical assistance and project development support, helping agencies move faster and submit stronger applications.

A school bus at a junction surrounded by children

A bird's-eye view of a junction filled with connected cars

SS4A and NHTSA grants: key funding for Vision Zero and road safety

SS4A: funding for planning, data, and Vision Zero strategies

One of the leading road safety funding opportunities in the United States is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. (US DOT Safe Streets For All). Established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, SS4A is a cornerstone of federal Vision Zero grants and funding initiatives.

Built on the Safe System Approach, the program recognizes that while human error is inevitable, traffic deaths and serious injuries are preventable through safer road design, better data, and targeted interventions.

With $5 billion in funding over five years, the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program has enabled local, regional, and Tribal governments to take a more strategic, data-driven approach to road safety, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

Now in its fifth year, SS4A remains a key source of federal support for both planning and implementation. Its planning and demonstration grants are especially valuable ahead of major capital investments, allowing agencies to test new data sources, validate assumptions, and refine priorities so that funding is more targeted and effective.

SS4A funding can be used to:

Strengthen safety action plans with new analytical tools and external data
Test emerging technologies and data-driven approaches, such as telematics or driver behavior pilots
Identify and prioritize high-risk locations and address systemic road safety issues
Build the evidence base needed to support future implementation projects or formula-funded programs

By supporting planning, analysis, and implementation as a connected continuum, SS4A program complements traditional transportation funding pathways.

The 2026 SS4A funding round is now open, with applications due by May 26, 2026. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

SS4A is particularly suited to cities and local agencies looking to plan, test, and prioritize Vision Zero strategies. In contrast, other federal funding programs focus more on implementation, enforcement, and statewide safety initiatives.

NHTSA: funding for implementation, enforcement, and statewide programs

Highway safety grants administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide states with funding for a wide range of road safety programs from enforcement and education to data-driven countermeasures.

These grants are particularly well suited to technology pilots and evaluation projects, especially when proposals clearly link interventions to measurable safety outcomes and include robust evaluation plans.

NHTSA has also invested $665 million in state eGrants programs (NHTSA), supporting data-driven safety initiatives across the country. Learn more and explore state-specific award details here.

These programs are particularly relevant for state agencies seeking to scale proven interventions, support enforcement efforts, and evaluate safety outcomes.

Vision Zero grants: streamlined funding resources for projects and pilots

For a curated overview of discretionary and private Vision Zero grants and funding opportunities along with practical guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and proposal checklists, see our guide, Unlocking Innovation: Funding Pathways for Vision Zero Technology.

Designed to support public agencies and project teams, this resource brings together high-value funding opportunities and grant application best practices in one place, helping teams save time and strengthen their proposals.

As funding programs and deadlines may change, applicants should always verify the latest eligibility criteria and timelines directly on official funder websites before submitting an application.

Key Considerations for Pursuing Road Safety Grants

As you explore discretionary road safety grants and Vision Zero funding opportunities, it’s important to keep the following best practices in mind:

Tips for successful grant applications:

Match the program with your project: Review eligibility requirements carefully to target funding opportunities that align with your technology, project scope, and applicant type (city, MPO, university, nonprofit, or private partner).
Focus on measurable outcomes: Grant reviewers prioritize projects that demonstrate clear road safety impact. Include defined metrics, data collection methods, and evaluation plans to track performance and results.
Build partnerships early: Collaborating with MPOs, universities, technology providers, and enforcement agencies strengthens credibility and expands operational capacity.
Plan for long-term sustainability: Outline how your pilot project will scale, transition into operations, or continue beyond the grant period. This helps reduce risk and increases confidence among funders.

SS4A Key Milestones :

April 14, 2026 | 1:30 – 3:00 PM EDT – SS4A Supplemental Planning and Demonstration Activities Webinar hosted by US DOT. Register here.
May 26, 2026 | 5:00 PM EDT – SS4A Grant Application Deadline

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