The Salinas Police Department received a grant via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help lower the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads, according to a spokesperson.
The $83,000 grant was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, according to a press release by City of Salinas spokesperson Sophia Rome.
“We are grateful for this funding because it allows us to strengthen our enforcement efforts, expand traffic safety education in our community and hold dangerous and impaired drivers accountable,” Salinas Police Sgt. Seth Morten said. “We are excited to put these resources to work and deliver results our community has been asking for: safer roadways."
The grant program runs through September 2027.
According to Morten, the grant will finance additional programs and resources, including: DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers, and high-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
In addition, the program will enhance enforcement operations concentrating on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk, according to the Salinas Police Department. Morten added that the funding will increase enforcement operations geared toward top driving violations that cause crashes, such as speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
“Traffic safety begins with everyday decisions,” OTS 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 where looking out for others and safe travel behaviors are the norm.”