Atascadero police awarded $46,800 traffic safety grant
Funding will support traffic safety programs through September 2027
– The Atascadero Police Department has received a $46,800 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to support its enforcement and education programs aimed at reducing serious injuries and deaths on roads.
“We are grateful to receive this OTS grant, which will provide our department with additional resources to conduct traffic safety and DUI enforcement operations in our community. Our goal is to reduce dangerous and impaired driving, prevent collisions, and keep our residents and everyone traveling through our city safe,” said Atascadero Police Commander Matt Chesson.
The grant will pay for DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on suspected impaired drivers, and for distracted driving enforcement operations targeting violations of California’s hands-free cell phone law. It also will fund enforcement operations focused on driver behaviors that put people biking or walking at risk, and on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
The department also plans community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety, along with collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies. Officers will receive training or recertification in detecting and evaluating impairment, including Standard Field Sobriety Test, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement, and Drug Recognition Expert.
“Traffic safety begins with everyday decisions,” Office of Traffic Safety Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “When we address the risky driving behaviors that put everyone on the road in danger, including speeding, distraction, and impairment, we can prevent crashes and save lives. By supporting enforcement efforts and educating communities, we’re helping to build a safety culture were looking out for others and safe travel behaviors are the norm.”
The grant program runs through September 2027. Funding was provided by the Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For more information, visit www.ots.ca.gov.
