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Press Release

GOVERNOR DAVIS AWARDS $35.2 MILLION TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY
Funds Assist Localities To Promote Anti-DUI, Innovative Traffic Safety Programs

SACRAMENTO- Governor Gray Davis today announced 201 new traffic safety grants totaling $35.2 million in federal funds to support programs such as the detection of alcohol and drug-impaired drivers, occupant protection programs, and pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives. Cities, counties, and State departments throughout California will share in the grants.

“ 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.”

A major element of the FFY 2004 grants is the Alcohol and Other Drugs program, 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 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.

For example, the San Diego Police Department will use a $250,000 grant to address teen and young adult-involved DUI collisions in the San Diego region. Under the program, students wearing “Fatal Vision” goggles will experience inhibited reflexes by driving on a special course. The students will then undergo mock field sobriety tests performed by San Diego Police Department officers. Additional program activities will include seat belt use challenges, journalism contests, theatre productions and mock funerals.

In addition, more than $5.8 million in grants will be directed to local, Community-Based Organizations, and, to various agencies for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) equipment. CBO programs include, but are not limited to: high school seat belt challenges, DUI campaigns, and pedestrian and child passenger safety programs. EMS grants include personnel training, the purchase of vehicle extrication tools and equipment such as “Jaws of Life,” and, new first responder rescue vehicles.

Of the $35.2 million in grants statewide, approximately $3.3 million has been allocated to Northern California, $5.5 million to the Bay Area, $785,000 to the Central Coast, $1.8 million to Central California, $3.6 million to the Inland Empire, $5.6 million to Los Angeles/Orange Counties, $2.4 million to the Southern Border region, and, $13.1 million for statewide programs.

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, administers the grants.

Following is a list of statewide grants, by region:.

Region 1 – Northern California
Region 2 – San Francisco Bay Area
Region 3 – Central Coast
Region 4 – Central California
Region 5 – Inland Empire
Region 6 – Los Angeles/Orange counties
Region 7 – Southern Border (San Diego)

Multi-Regional/Statewide Grants

 

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