Atascadero Police receive grant for traffic safety operations
Funding supports enforcement, education, and officer training through September 2026
– The Atascadero Police Department announced it received a $65,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to support enforcement and education programs aimed at reducing serious injuries and deaths on local roads. The grant program runs through September 2026.
“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” Atascadero Police Department Commander Matt Chesson said. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”
The department stated the grant will fund several programs and resources. It will support driving-under-the-influence checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers, along with high-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers who violate California’s hands-free cell phone law. Enforcement operations will also focus on dangerous behaviors that put people who bike or walk at risk.
Additional operations will target violations linked to crashes, including speeding, failure to yield, running stop signs or red lights, and improper turning or lane changes. The department plans to offer community presentations on distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety. The funding will also support collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.
The grant includes officer training and recertification for the Standard Field Sobriety Test, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement, and Drug Recognition Expert programs.
“Through focused traffic enforcement and education, we’re working toward a future where everyone will be safe on California roads,” Office of Traffic Safety Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “By encouraging people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together.”
Funding was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
