Macon DA Secures $211K Grant to Launch Project P.A.U.S.E. Pedestrian Safety Initiative
MACON, GA – The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has awarded a $211,425.74 grant to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office to launch Project P.A.U.S.E. (Pedestrian Awareness and Understanding Safety Education), a new program aimed at reducing pedestrian injuries and fatalities across the Macon, Georgia area.
The grant supports a proactive pedestrian safety initiative focused on education, outreach, and prevention. Project P.A.U.S.E. will deliver age-appropriate safety instruction, community engagement, and hands-on outreach in high-traffic areas to help youth and families develop instinctive, life-saving pedestrian habits.
“Every member of our community deserves to feel safe simply walking from one place to another,” said District Attorney Anita R. Howard. “These are preventable deaths. With Project P.A.U.S.E., we can teach our children and families how to navigate their surroundings responsibly and with confidence, because no one should die while walking.”
Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole said the program aligns with the state’s long-term goal of eliminating traffic deaths. “Innovative projects like this are designed with the intent for Georgia and our nation to reach the realistic goal of zero traffic deaths by the middle of this century,” Poole said. “Each life saved on our roads is one less family that has to endure the pain of a completely preventable loss.”
The grant period runs from December 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. During that time, the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office will implement Project P.A.U.S.E. in compliance with GOHS guidelines, including all required reporting, accountability, and auditing standards.
Project P.A.U.S.E. builds on the District Attorney’s Office’s existing youth engagement work through the R.I.S.E. (Restoring Inspiration by Success in Education) initiative, which has served hundreds of young people and families since 2022. Officials say starting pedestrian safety education early can lead to lasting awareness and safer communities.
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety works statewide to promote safe driving behaviors and fund programs that reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
More information about GOHS is available at gahighwaysafety.org. Those interested in Project P.A.U.S.E. or community involvement opportunities can contact the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
