Police to expand traffic enforcement with funds from state safety grant
Grant program will run through September 2025
– The Paso Robles Police Department announced it has received an $85,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to support traffic enforcement and education programs aimed at reducing serious injuries and fatalities on local roads. The grant program will run through September 2025.
“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” Paso Robles Police Commander Ricky Lehr said. “By increasing enforcement of traffic laws and focusing on high-risk areas, we aim to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”
The grant will allow the department to implement several programs and resources, including:
- DUI checkpoints and patrols to identify and stop suspected impaired drivers
- Distracted driving enforcement operations targeting violations of California’s hands-free cell phone law
- Operations focused on driver behaviors that pose risks to cyclists and pedestrians
- Enforcement of violations commonly linked to crashes, such as speeding, failure to yield, running stop signs or red lights, and improper turning or lane changes
- Community presentations on issues like distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety
- Officer training and recertification in standard field sobriety tests, advanced roadside impaired driving enforcement, and drug recognition expert certification
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
