Large Grants to Tackle Drug-Impaired Driving and Unsafe Vehicles (UK)

Deadline: 05-May-2026

The Road Safety Trust is offering grants of £50,000–£200,000 to UK-based organizations for projects that reduce road risks from drug-impaired driving and unsafe vehicles. The program supports research, innovation, and interventions that improve data, guidance, prevention measures, and vehicle safety, aligning with the UK Government’s Road Safety Strategy (2026). Projects may run for up to 36 months.

The Road Safety Trust is accepting applications to fund initiatives that enhance road safety and reduce harm from drug-impaired driving, unsafe motorized riding, and vehicle risks. The program emphasizes evidence-driven solutions, innovation, and practical interventions.

Objectives of the Grant

This funding opportunity aims to:

• Prevent harm linked to drug-impaired driving and motorized riding
• Improve data collection and intelligence on impairment and crash risk
• Examine socioeconomic, demographic, and geographic differences in risk
• Investigate poly-substance use, including combinations with alcohol
• Enhance guidance on medication effects related to driving and riding
• Assess prevention and enforcement approaches for feasibility and acceptability
• Promote safer vehicles through technology, innovation, and data-driven interventions

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: £50,000 – £200,000 per project
• Total Budget for Round: Approximately £750,000
• Project Duration: Up to 36 months
• Eligible Costs: Direct project costs including research, interventions, data analysis, and innovation activities

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include UK-based:

• Charities
• Universities and research institutions
• Public sector bodies
• Companies
• Professional organizations

Individuals are only eligible if applying as part of a larger project or research team.

Projects must:

• Demonstrate public benefit
• Align with the Trust’s priorities and the UK Road Safety Strategy (2026)
• Promote innovation and evidence-based interventions

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organization is UK-based and legally constituted.
2. Identify Project Scope: Focus on drug-impaired driving, unsafe vehicles, or related prevention research.
3. Prepare Proposal: Include objectives, methodology, expected impact, budget, and timeline (up to 36 months).
4. Submit Application: Follow the Trust’s online submission process, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
5. Review and Award: Applications will be evaluated for innovation, feasibility, public benefit, and alignment with the Trust’s goals.

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize how your project reduces harm from impaired driving or enhances vehicle safety.
• Include robust data collection and analysis methods.
• Clearly define expected outcomes and impact.
• Demonstrate innovation and evidence-based approaches.
• Align your project with the UK Road Safety Strategy (2026) for relevance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a project that does not align with the Trust’s priorities
• Failing to include data-driven or evidence-based approaches
• Exceeding the maximum grant or timeline limits
• Applying as an individual without a wider project team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for this grant?
   UK-based organizations such as charities, universities, public sector bodies, companies, and professional organizations.
2. Can individuals apply?
   Only as part of a broader research or project team.
3. What is the funding range?
   £50,000 to £200,000 per project.
4. What is the maximum project duration?
   36 months.
5. What areas of road safety are prioritized?
   Drug-impaired driving, motorized riding, vehicle safety, poly-substance use, and evidence-based interventions.
6. Does the project need to align with government strategy?
   Yes, projects must align with the UK Road Safety Strategy (2026).

Why This Grant Matters

• Supports innovative approaches to reduce road traffic harm.
• Enhances evidence, data, and understanding of impaired driving risks.
• Encourages safer vehicle technologies and interventions.
• Strengthens practical and scalable road safety solutions across the UK.

Conclusion

The Road Safety Trust Grant is a strategic funding opportunity for UK-based organizations to advance road safety through research, innovation, and targeted interventions. By addressing drug-impaired driving, unsafe riding, and vehicle risks, the program aims to save lives, improve data, and support practical solutions in line with national safety priorities.

For more information, visit The Road Safety Trust.