El Centro PD receives traffic and enforcement grant
The El Centro Police Department has been awarded a $70,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety in efforts to create a program to educate the public on safe roadway habits and more.
El Centro PD said it’s a year-long enforcement and public awareness program that will deter people fro violating traffic laws or practicing other unsafe behaviors that lead to injuries and fatalities.
In 2016, El Centro PD said 3,623 people were killed in crashes across the state and there has been a seven percent increase from 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Almost all crashes are preventable,” OTS director Rhonda Craft said, ” Education and enforcement go hand in hand helping change behaviors that cause devastating crashes.”
A total of 867 pedestrians were killed on California roadways on 2016, and nearly a 33 percent increase from 2012.
The grant will fund various activities for the 2019 fiscal year such as:
DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to take suspected alcohol/drug-impaired drivers- and those unlicensed or with a revoked suspended license- off the road. Traffic safety education presentation for youth and community members on distracted, impaired and teen driving, and bicycle-pedestrian safety. Patrols at intersections with increased incidents of pedestrian and bike collisions. Speeding, red light and stop sign enforcement. Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders. Specialized DUI and drugged driving training to identify and apprehend suspected impaired drivers.
