The Office of Highway Safety Planning works with community groups to promote traffic safety through enforcement of the state's safety belt law, zeroing in on drunk drivers and supporting traffic safety education programs for Michigan residents, including the elderly and youth.

Approximately $6 million in annual funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration is awarded to qualified state and local agencies and organizations to promote the safe use of Michigan roadways. An additional $15 million in state-funded programs is provided for the Secondary Road Patrol Program and Truck Safety Commission activities.

OHSP is initiating a number of traffic safety programs:

Police Traffic Services

Through the Drive Michigan Safely Task Force, 20 Michigan counties with high traffic crash rates participate in grant-funded overtime patrols aimed specifically at enforcing safety belt laws and getting drunk drivers off the road. The task force also serves as an umbrella campaign for the Click It or Ticket and You Drink & Drive. You Lose. programs.

Safety Belts

The goal is to have 90% of Michigan motorists buckling up by 2004. Convincing those that still do not buckle up through education, motivation and enforcement of the safety belt law will continue through the Buckle Up or Pay Up, Click It or Ticket campaign.

Safe Communities

Safe Communities is a nationwide program that encourages local groups to assess their community’s traffic safety issues and to start programs to address these problems. OHSP provides assessment tools and expertise to the local communities. There are currently 22 Safe Communities in Michigan.

Youth Alcohol Programs
Through a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention, OHSP oversee the state’s Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Program. With this funding, grant funds are provided to local, county and state law enforcement agencies for targeting minors who attempt to purchase or consume alcohol and adults attempting to furnish alcohol to minors.

Driver Issues & Education

An Elderly Mobility Action Plan has been developed to address this growing population's driving needs. Information for young drivers and their parents focuses on the Graduated Licensing Law (GDL) and increasting understanding of the unique provisions.

Other Priorities

This includes: promoting "Walkable/Bikeable Communities"; designing and maintaining safe roadways through engineering; advocating for motorcycle safety through the use of helmets and rider education; utilizing technology to automate Michigan’s traffic crash data; promoting the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) programs and providing public information on distracted and drowsy driving.