The Santa Ana Police Department has been awarded a $585,500 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a yearlong enforcement and public awareness program. The traffic safety program is intended to educate the public on safe roadway habits and deter people from violating traffic laws or practicing other unsafe behaviors that lead to injuries and fatalities.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substance is a serious problem that every year results in the death and injury of motorists and pedestrians. This grant funding will permit us to focus our attention on the problem in a more efficient and effective manner. For example our “Behind The Line” community program, gives community members insight into what occurs at proactive DUI enforcement operations. Vehicular and pedestrian safety is one of our community’s high priorities” commented Chief of Police David Valentin.

The grant from OTS will fund various education and enforcement activities for the 2020 federal fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020):

• DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to take suspected alcohol/drug-impaired drivers – and those unlicensed or with a revoked/suspended license – off the road.
• Traffic safety education presentations for youth and community members on distracted, impaired and teen driving, and bicycle/pedestrian safety.
• Patrols at intersections with increased incidents of pedestrian and bike collisions.
• Checking for seat belt and child safety seat compliance.
• Motorcycle safety operations in areas with high rider volume and where higher rate of motorcycle crashes occur.
• Speeding, red light and stop sign enforcement.
• Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders
• Specialized DUI and drugged driving training to identify and apprehend suspected impaired drivers.