Fitness to Drive launched as The Road Safety Trust 2022 Main Theme Grants Programme
Road safety funding for public and private organisations, registered charities, university departments and not for profits, has been announced and will open in September 2022.
The theme for this round of funding is ‘Fitness to Drive’ and grants are available for the research and development of innovative practical road safety interventions. Because ‘Fitness to Drive’ is such a broad theme, applications focussing on the following areas are eligible:
Diabetes
Dementia
Sleep and fatigue
Illegal and prescription drug use
This grant programme is not restricted to older drivers and projects can be for any age group. Eligible projects can include drivers or riders of any motorised road vehicle.
The Road Safety Trust is a charity dedicated to making the UK’s roads the safest in the world. Grants are available for up to two or three years depending on the programme. The minimum award is £25k and the maximum is £300k.
Sally Lines, Chief Executive of The Road Safety Trust said: “We are announcing this year’s theme to allow public and private organisations, registered charities, university departments and not for profits the opportunity to prepare quality applications.
“The Fitness to Drive theme has been developed through a recent scoping review and an earlier consultation with the sector. Key to the Safe System approach to road safety is that those driving or riding motor vehicles should be fit to do so. Driving is a complex and demanding task and ensuring that individuals are physically and mentally fit to drive plays an important part in saving lives and preventing serious injuries.
“Potential applications could include but are not limited to self-assessment tools and support for drivers or riders, assessment and screening tools for health and other professionals, or better guidance, training or education.
“We look forward to receiving high quality applications that uphold the highest of ethical and safety standards in both the conduct of initiatives and research. Our values of rigour, partnership, independence and challenge, and knowledge are reflected in the approach we take to every funded project.”
Since it was established in 2014, the Road Safety Trust has awarded grants worth around £5m to over 70 different projects. It is the largest road safety grant giver in the UK and funds vital research and practical interventions committed to reducing the number of people killed or injured on UK roads.
The 2022 Main Theme Programme will open for applications from 8 September until 19 October.
