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Press Release

GOVERNOR DAVIS AWARDS $1.7 MILLION IN GRANTS
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gray Davis today announced the award of 20 traffic safety grants totaling $1.7 million for Central California communities. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will administer the grants through the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency to help improve and resolve traffic safety related issues on area streets and highways.

"California continues to raise the bar on traffic safety, particularly when it comes to the use of seat belts and child safety seats," Governor Davis said. "Funding for these comprehensive traffic safety programs will enable California to maintain that momentum as well as address those traffic safety issues that continue to be a challenge in a state as large and diverse as California."

In addition to the Central California grants, Governor Davis announced the award of 162 other grants across California, totaling $30.3 million statewide.

The newly funded grants include occupant protection, alcohol and other drugs, emergency medical services, police traffic services, bicycle/pedestrian education programs, traffic records, roadway safety, and outreach to community-based organizations throughout California.

As alcohol-related injuries and fatalities in California increased by four percent between 1999 and 2000, the funding includes a concentrated effort among numerous grants to deter impaired driving. Programs will also include an emphasis on improving California's already impressive occupant protection record.

"Although California enjoys one of the nation's highest seat belt use rate at 91.1 percent, as well as the highest child safety seat use rate at 87.6 percent, that doesn't mean it's time to lessen our efforts in this area," stated Governor Davis. "By doing even better, we can prevent the loss of life and prevent injuries."

Following are selected examples of local organizations scheduled to receive funds. (Please see attachment for a complete listing of Central California grants). Grant amounts are in parentheses:

Bakersfield Police Department ($300,000) will focus on reducing alcohol-involved fatal and injury collisions, as well as work to improve seat belt and child safety seat use through enforcement and public education.

Stanislaus County Health Services Agency ($170,000) plans to reduce injuries and fatalities for vehicle occupants under seven years of age by five percent through the expansion and enhancement of the Agency's Keep Baby Safe Program. The project also plans to improve overall, countywide traffic safety prevention practices via the efforts of the Safe Communities Coalition.

Modesto Police Department ($276,678) will effect a program that addresses speeding, DUI, seat belt and child safety seat usage, and bicycle helmet compliance. The project is designed to reduce total fatal and injury collisions, speed related collisions and alcohol-involved collisions.

City of Lodi ($33,750) will conduct a bicycle and pedestrian safety educational program to reduce fatal and injury collisions through education and enforcement. Activities will include interactive presentations at 11 schools and the distribution of free bicycle helmets for students in need.

Note to editors and assignment desks: For further information regarding OTS grants and programs, contact Marilyn Sabin, Assistant Director of Operations, at (916) 262-2978, or, (916) 798-6065. Visit the OTS Web site at www.ots.ca.gov.

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Regional Grant: 2003 Traffic Safety Grant Awards to Central California