URGENT UPDATE: The La Mesa Police Department has just announced a significant boost to road safety efforts with a $150,000 state grant aimed at reducing serious injuries and fatalities on city streets. This funding, confirmed Wednesday, will support crucial enforcement and education programs through September 2024.
The grant comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It will target several key areas to enhance road safety, including strict enforcement of the state’s hands-free cell phone law and initiatives focused on protecting cyclists and pedestrians.
Police Chief Ray Sweeney expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasizing the department’s commitment to promoting safer driving practices. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone,” he stated.
The funding will facilitate a series of targeted operations aimed at major traffic violations, such as failure to yield, improper turns, speeding, and running red lights. Additionally, community presentations will educate the public on vital topics like distracted driving and pedestrian safety.
State OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty highlighted the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Focused traffic enforcement and education allow agencies to work toward a future where everyone will be safe on California roads by encouraging people to prioritize safety in their daily choices.”
With traffic-related injuries and deaths on the rise, this grant is a timely intervention aimed at reversing these troubling trends. The La Mesa Police Department is now poised to implement these measures swiftly, ensuring immediate impact for all road users.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the La Mesa Police Department rolls out these vital programs to enhance road safety in the community.
