The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department was awarded more than $2 million in grant funding to increase road safety, authorities said Monday.
The department said it will increase patrols throughout the community and provide other traffic safety programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on roads.
“This grant funding allows us to support our ongoing traffic safety efforts in the community,” Sgt. Michael Lennig said. “Our intent is to stop the most unlawful and dangerous behaviors that put people at risk and create an environment where everyone feels safe traveling.”
The grant will also provide additional programs and resources, including:
— DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers;
— High visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law;
— Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk;
— Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes;
— Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, bicycle and pedestrian safety;
— Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies; and
— Specific officer trainings and recertifications.
Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The grant program will run through September 2025, officials said.