The Grant Will Fund Initiatives to Address Causes of Traffic Collisions, Including DUI Checkpoints and Patrols
The Santa Monica Police Department has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to expand traffic enforcement and education programs aimed at reducing roadway injuries and fatalities.
The funding will support the department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program through September 2025, providing a comprehensive approach to addressing the city’s most pressing traffic safety concerns.
“This grant strengthens our commitment to keeping Santa Monica’s roads safe,” SMPD said in a release. “By focusing on high-risk areas and improving enforcement, we aim to prevent crashes and protect all who share the road.”
The grant will fund a range of targeted initiatives to address the leading causes of traffic collisions, including DUI checkpoints and patrols, speeding enforcement, and distracted driving operations. Particular attention will be paid to protecting vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians, with enhanced enforcement at intersections and areas with high foot and bike traffic.
Additional efforts include community education campaigns, such as the “Know Your Limit” initiative, which raises awareness about impaired driving. SMPD will also host traffic safety presentations addressing issues like speeding, distracted driving, and pedestrian safety.
The funding will allow officers to undergo advanced training in techniques such as the Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) certification. These skills are vital to accurately identifying impaired drivers and reducing related incidents.
For over a decade, the SMPD has relied on STEP grants to enhance its traffic enforcement capabilities, according to a staff report. These initiatives align with Santa Monica’s Vision Zero commitment, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries.
Funding for this program is provided by OTS through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Residents can expect increased police presence and safety-focused operations as SMPD rolls out these programs in the coming months.
