ESCONDIDO — The Escondido Police Department has been awarded a $352,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to support enforcement and education programs aimed at reducing serious injuries and traffic fatalities, it was announced today.
“This grant is an important investment in our mission to make Escondido’s roads safer for everyone who uses them,” said Escondido Police Chief Ken Plunkett. “With the support of the California Office of Traffic Safety, we can strengthen enforcement, expand education and awareness and work collaboratively to prevent traffic crashes and save lives. Our goal is simple: safer streets, safe neighborhoods and getting everyone home safe.”
The grant provides additional resources for several specialized programs, including:
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DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on impaired drivers.
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High-visibility distracted driving operations targeting drivers in violation of the state’s hands-free cellphone law.
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Enforcement operations focused on dangerous behaviors that put pedestrians and bicyclists at risk.
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Enforcement operations targeting leading causes of crashes, including speeding, failure to yield, running stop signs or red lights, and improper or illegal turns and lane changes.
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Community presentations on traffic safety issues, including distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
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Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.
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Officer training and recertification to detect impairment in suspected drivers, including Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement and Drug Recognition Expert training.
“Traffic safety begins with everyday decisions,” said OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty. “When we address the risky driving behaviors that put everyone on the road in danger, including speeding and distracted driving, we can prevent crashes and save lives. By supporting enforcement and educating communities, we’re helping to build a safety culture where looking out for others and safe travel behaviors are the norm.”
The grant program runs through September 2027. Funding was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
