Santa Monica Police Gets Traffic Safety Grant

November 9, 2012 -- The California Office of Traffic Safety has awarded the Santa Monica Police Department a $100,000 grant.

The grant will be used for a year-long program intended to prevent death and injury on the road in Santa Monica by increasing enforcement and educating drivers.

“The grant will aid in the city's ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and quality of life through both enforcement and education,” according to police officials.

“This funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety will enable the police department to provide additional officers in the field to concentrate on traffic related concerns and promote a safer traveling experience,” they said.

The grant will go toward stepping up enforcement of distracted driving, motorcycle safety and to increase patrols on the lookout for intoxicate drivers.

It will also go to help educate officers on how to identify those driving under the influence.

Of all traffic deaths in 2011, “DUI deaths remain the largest sector, at nearly 30 percent of traffic fatalities,” officials said.

According to officials, from 2006 to 2011, traffic deaths have fallen almost 39 percent, but in 2011, they showed a slight increase.

“Recent trends show increases in two new categories: distracted driving and drug-impaired driving,” officials said.

"Despite the recent increases, California's roadways are still very much safer than they were before 2006," said Office of Traffic Safety Director Christopher J. Murphy. "The Santa Monica Police Department will be keeping the pressure on through enforcement and public awareness so that we can continue saving lives and reach the vision we all share: toward zero deaths, every one counts."

For more information, please contact Sergeant Phillbo Rubish with the Santa Monica Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Unit at 310-458-8950.