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Press Release

GOVERNOR DAVIS AWARDS $2.4 MILLION IN GRANTS
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gray Davis today announced the award of 29 new traffic safety grants totaling $2.4 million for Northern California communities. The grants, administered by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, will include increased detection of alcohol and drug-impaired drivers, police traffic services, and pedestrian and bicycle safety programs.

“ California is building upon past successes that local traffic safety practitioners have had in keeping our roadways safe,” Governor Davis said. “Safety for Californians is our number one concern.”

In addition to the Northern California grants, Governor Davis announced the award of 172 other grants across California, totaling $35.2 million statewide.

A major element of the FFY 2004 grants is Alcohol and Other Drugs, designed to encourage stepped-up enforcement and education of state DUI laws. Seventy-three grantees will share more than $15 million in funding for one or more of the following initiatives: increased statewide sobriety checkpoints, warrant service patrols for multiple DUI offenders, “live” DUI trials at local high schools, “reality check” student press conferences and “Every 15 Minutes” programs.

“ We want to maximize the potential for life-saving results by funding programs that address California’s greatest traffic safety challenges, ” stated Governor Davis. “All of these programs support the same goal — to prevent injuries and the loss of life.”

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

Butte County Probation Department ($200,000) will target repeat DUI offenders on felony probation with the HIDE (High Intensity DUI Enforcement) Program. This unit will utilize the search and arrest capabilities of probation officers to assure greater accountability of probationers through strict enforcement of court orders. Special activities will include evening and weekend contact and occasional sweeps of local bars and taverns.

Shasta County Public Health ($300,000), in collaboration with the Injury Prevention Coalition of Shasta County, will provide mini-grants for community based organizations for a variety of traffic safety education programs including: a high school seat belt challenge, DUI campaigns, live DUI trials, MADD chapters and support for programs targeting high school students, such as Every 15 Minutes, Sober Grad Night and Prom Night. More than 25 organizations, including law enforcement, hospitals, schools and community-based organizations will take part in the project.

Roseville Fire Department ($22,000) will establish a “SAFETEEN” program targeting 14-16 year olds on the importance of seat belt use, the dangers of drinking and driving and reducing speed while driving. This interactive presentation includes step-by-step demonstrations and descriptions of treatment provided to traffic collision victims including extrication, emergency medical treatment, hospital delivery and videos of actual crash scenes of teens who made unfortunate choices.

Regional Grant: 2003 Traffic Safety Grant Awards to Northern California

 

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