The program was initially authorized by the Highway Safety Act of 1966 and is known as the State and Community Highway Safety grant program. The program is intended to assist states and communities develop and implement highway safety programs designed to reduce traffic crashes, deaths, injuries, and property damage. In FY 99 and 2000, states may use 402 funds to purchase radio and TV time.
Funds are generally available for obligation for up to three years.
States must perform problem identification and then establish performance goals and objectives in order to address the identified problems. At the end of the year, states must submit an annual report on the progress made toward reaching the identified state goals and objectives.