The department believes the grant will be an effective way to change behaviors.
Costa Mesa’s Police Department is increasing police patrols, and recertifying officers in field sobriety, drug recognition, and impared driving enforcement, following a grant of $250,000 from the Office of Traffic Safety,
The funds will also provide for: informing the community on traffic safety issues, DUI checkpoints, and law enforcement focus on reckless and speeding drivers – all in an attempt to increase road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and others who share the road.
CMPD’s Traffic Safety Bureau Lt. Clint Dieball said in a statement “This grant emphasizes the two most effective ways to change behaviors – education and enforcement.”
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) secures funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and disburses them as grants to traffic safety programs.
“Through thoughtful, forward-thinking, and data-driven selection of grants to local and state agencies, OTS provides an effective means of eliminating fatalities, injuries, and economic losses resulting from crashes.”
According to the California Department of Transportation California Statewide Collision Overview in the 2020-2024 Strategic Highway Safety Plan, the top three causes of fatal accidents statewide are Interchanges, Alcohol and Drug Impairment and Speeding/Aggressive Driving.
The grant allows the program to run to Sept. 2023.
