Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $6.6 million to expand traffic law enforcement and promote safer driving practices across Alabama, funding regional programs aimed at reducing dangerous driving behaviors and preventing traffic injuries and fatalities.

The funding follows an earlier announcement this month in which Ivey awarded 13 grants totaling nearly $5.8 million for statewide traffic safety programs focused on education, enforcement, technology and law enforcement support.

According to a news release, the latest grants will go to the state’s four regional traffic safety offices to fund overtime for law enforcement officers targeting violations such as speeding and seat belt noncompliance. The money will also support public education campaigns addressing the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the importance of properly using child safety restraints.

“These grants provide our law enforcement officers with resources to enforce traffic laws, discourage dangerous driving behaviors and help people travel safely on Alabama’s roads,” Ivey said in the release. “I am pleased to award these grants supporting efforts to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities.”

Law enforcement agencies in the regions will be eligible for funding to increase patrols in areas where traffic data identifies high rates of violations, including impaired driving and speeding. The grants will also pay for additional officer shifts during high-traffic periods, including Labor Day and Memorial Day, in conjunction with the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket public education campaigns.

The four regional programs will receive funding through grants awarded to local government and educational institutions.

The Franklin County Commission received five grants totaling more than $1.8 million for the Community Traffic Safety Program’s North Central Region. The region covers Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Walker and Winston counties.

Central Alabama Community College received five grants totaling more than $1.7 million for the East Central Region, which serves Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Coosa, Elmore, Etowah, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Talladega counties.

Enterprise State Community College received five grants totaling about $1.58 million for the Southeast Region. The region includes Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Clay, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, Randolph, Russell and Tallapoosa counties.

The Mobile County Commission received five grants totaling about $1.53 million for the Southwest Region, which covers Baldwin, Bibb, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Pickens, Perry, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Washington and Wilcox counties.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the grants using funds provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“These programs focus on enforcement and education and are part of a strategy to make roads safer throughout the state,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these initiatives to enhance traffic safety.”