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Press Release

GOVERNOR DAVIS AWARDS $1.6 MILLION IN GRANTS
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY IN CENTRAL COAST

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gray Davis today announced the award of 14 traffic safety grants totaling $1.6 million for Central Coast 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 Coast grants, Governor Davis announced the award of 168 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 Coast grants). Grant amounts are in parentheses:

Santa Barbara Police Department ($180,000) will conduct DUI checkpoints on approximately 50 evenings at 100 locations over a two-year period. Activities will also include 10 DUI saturation patrols, anti-DUI classes at local high schools and assistance to college peer counselors with DUI counseling.

Lompoc Police Department ($58,616) will promote proper use of child safety seats and seat belts through enforcement and prevention. The project will also enable the Lompoc Police Department to be equipped as a fitting station and educational resource for child passenger safety.

San Benito County Fire Department ($30,000) will decrease response times to highway-related incidents and increase extrication and medical capabilities through the purchase of modern extrication equipment and training.

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 Coast