California Office of Traffic Safety awards grants to SLO County
Funding strengthens bicycle, pedestrian, child passenger, and youth safety efforts
– The County of San Luis Obispo Health Agency announced it has been awarded more than $650,000 in grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety to expand local initiatives that promote road safety and prevent injuries across the county.
The Public Health Department received $264,025 to strengthen its Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program and $237,595 to support its Child Passenger Safety Program. The Behavioral Health Department received $155,000 for Youth Traffic Safety initiatives focused on preventing impaired and distracted driving among teens and young adults. All programs will run through September 2026.
Recent data show that San Luis Obispo has one of the highest rates of bicycle-related injuries and fatalities among cities of its size in California. Data also show that college-age individuals are at the highest risk for bicycle-related injuries and fatalities in the county, and recent observations at Cal Poly found that 18% of students were wearing helmets.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program promotes safe walking and biking habits and encourages drivers to share the road. Activities include school and community presentations, safety training for young students, and peer-led outreach at Cal Poly, where College Corps Fellows provide helmet fittings and safety gear.
“By focusing on education, awareness, and promoting safe practices, we’re building more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods where everyone can travel safely and confidently,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “We appreciate OTS’s support in helping make SLO County a healthier, safer community.”
The Child Passenger Safety Program will provide no-cost car seats, inspections, training, and safety education to income-eligible families referred by community partners. Vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for children under age 8, and nearly 90% of car seats are used incorrectly.
“Proper car seat use can reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash by as much as 71%,” Dr. Borenstein said. “This program ensures families have the knowledge and tools needed to protect their children.”
The Youth Traffic Safety Initiative, led by the Behavioral Health Department, will deliver school-based presentations, youth-led campaigns, and community outreach through Friday Night Live. Activities will coincide with national traffic safety observances such as National Teen Safe Driving Week and Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 24. The California Healthy Kids Survey shows that 10% of 11th graders in San Luis Obispo County have driven, or been driven by someone, under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Young people in our community are surrounded by a culture that normalizes alcohol use, creating mixed messages about the risks,” said Dr. Star Graber, director of the Behavioral Health Department. “Through this grant and Friday Night Live programs, we’re helping youth understand the dangers of substance use, especially when driving.”
“Through safety programs and strong partnerships, we are working toward a future where everyone walking, biking, or driving in California can travel safely—and every child is protected on our roads,” said OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty. “By supporting projects that encourage safe choices and teach families the importance of using car seats and helmets, we’re building a stronger culture of traffic safety together.”
Funding for these programs was provided by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
