The Watsonville Police Department has been awarded two grants totaling $107,500 to increase road, bicycle, and pedestrian safety.
A $65,500 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety will assist us in our efforts to reduce deaths and injuries on city streets.
The grant will fund a variety of traffic safety programs, including:
•Patrols with emphasis on alcohol and drug-impaired driving prevention.
•Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
•Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of primary causes of crashes: excess speed, failure to yield, failure to stop at stop signs/signals, improper turning/lane changes.
•Community education presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speed, bicycle, and pedestrian safety.
•Collaborative efforts with neighboring agencies on traffic safety priorities.
•Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
A $42,000 grant will focus on the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.
“Our goal is that education will change poor behaviors and make our roads safer,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “This funding will help ensure the safety of those out biking or walking.”
Grant funds will be used for a variety of activities promoting bicyclist and pedestrian safety:
•Education workshops geared toward youth and older adults.
•Education on the importance of safety equipment that improves visibility such as reflective armbands, bicycle headlights, and taillights.
•Community walks and bicycle safety courses.
•Bicycle helmet inspections.
•Distribution of bicycle helmets to those in need following education presentations.
Both grant programs run from Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021.
Funding was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.