The Modesto Police Department plans to enhance its traffic enforcement program with a $560,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). This funding will support various initiatives aimed at reducing road injuries and fatalities through September 2025, as reported on the Modesto Police Department's Facebook page.
With the new grant, residents can expect more DUI checkpoints and patrols targeting impaired and distracted driving, including violations of hands-free cell phone laws. Officers will also focus on serious traffic violations, such as speeding and improper lane changes, which contribute to accidents. This funding comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as noted in the Modesto Police Department’s online publication. Sergeant Robert Hall expressed gratitude, stating, "We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety."
Community engagement is a key part of the initiative, featuring educational presentations on traffic safety issues like distracted and impaired driving, as well as risks to cyclists and pedestrians. A partnership with neighboring agencies aims to promote collaboration in ensuring compliance and road safety.
As part of the grant's implementation, officers will receive specialized training and recertification in procedures such as the Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and certification as Drug Recognition Experts (DRE). This training aims to improve their ability to reduce road accidents and fatalities. According to Sergeant Hall, the funding will directly support these efforts.
