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Press Release

GOVERNOR DAVIS AWARDS $5.5 MILLION IN GRANTS
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY IN LOS ANGELES AND ORANGE COUNTIES

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gray Davis today announced the award of 32 new traffic safety grants totaling $5.5 million for Los Angeles and Orange counties. 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 No. 1 concern.”

In addition to the LA and Orange County grants, Governor Davis announced the award of 169 other traffic safety 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 Los Angeles and Orange County grants). Grant amounts are in parentheses:

Claremont Police Department ($409,900), through the Peace Officers Association of
Los Angeles County (POLAC), will develop the Avoid the 50 Operation Teen Team Project aimed at preventing impaired driving by teen drivers. The program will present a realistic look at the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence through the use of a self-contained operations and education trailer. Additionally, the program will include a teen offender court program developed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), as well as conduct 12 countywide DUI enforcement nights with saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints.

Los Angeles County Department of Health Services ($400,000) will implement the “Wheel Smart” program in 30 middle and high schools with high-risk teens in Los Angeles. The program is designed to generate awareness among teens of the consequences of impaired driving collisions on the victim, their friends and family and the community at large. The “Wheel Smart” program will utilize a theatrical play directed and produced by, and featuring teens.

Santa Monica Police Department ($340,000) will implement the Westside Law Enforcement Against Drunk Driving (WE LEADD) Program in an effort to reduce driving under the influence crashes and arrests involving youth. This regional collaboration between the cities of Beverly Hills, Culver City, West Hollywood and Santa Monica will utilize a mobile education program that uses the latest interactive technology to display visual impairment and reaction deprivation. The grant will also support supplemental enforcement efforts for the Santa Monica Police Department focusing on pedestrian safety, seat belt violations and helmet use.

Regional Grant: 2003 Traffic Safety Grant Awards to Los Angeles and Orange Counties

 

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