By Mike Hazlip—
Citrus Heights police have been awarded with a $205,000 grant administered by the California Office of Traffic Safety for increased enforcement of drunk or distracted drivers.
The grant will be used for training and enforcement programs related to driving under the influence, distracted driving, motorcycle safety enforcement, and pedestrian and bicycle enforcement operations, according to a staff reported presented to the City Council this month.
The council voted 5-0 to approve the grant during a Sept. 9 meeting. The staff report said the grant funding was needed due to the city’s “many issues with DUI related incidents, specifically DUI collisions and deaths related to DUI collisions.”
Trainings will also be conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to the document. The funds will also be used for DUI saturation patrols and other traffic enforcement efforts.
The city expects the grant could potentially reduce the number of DUI related incidents, once implemented. This city has also received similar grants in prior years.