News Release Date:
November 21, 2024

Contact: Grand Canyon Office of Communications

Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) has been awarded National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grants through the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety (AZ GOHS). This funding will enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety, speed enforcement, and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) prevention efforts within the park.

The grants will support a variety of initiatives aimed at improving safety for both community members and the millions of visitors who visit the Grand Canyon each year. Educational materials and bicycle helmets will be provided to community members, including students at the Grand Canyon School. Additionally, park staff will receive training from the International Police Mountain Bike Association, and essential patrol equipment, including a Police eBike Package to bolster enforcement efforts.

To combat impaired driving, the funding will allow for overtime hours dedicated to participating in Route 66 DUI Task Force events. This includes acquiring necessary equipment for detecting and testing impaired drivers, ensuring that laws against driving while impaired are effectively enforced.

Speed enforcement is also a key focus of this funding. The park will conduct high-visibility operations aimed at reducing speeding and aggressive driving. This includes the purchase of new vehicle-mounted RADAR units and other equipment to streamline roadside citation processing.

Last year, similar funds were used to install RADAR feedback speed signs in school zones and popular visitor overlooks along Highway 64, enhancing safety in areas frequented by families and tourists.

This partnership between GRCA and AZ GOHS underscores a shared commitment to ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors. As the park continues to promote responsible recreation, officials remind everyone that Arizona has strict penalties for impaired driving, which can include jail time, hefty fines, and license suspension.

Grand Canyon National Park encourages all visitors to drive sober or designate a sober driver. Remember: Drive Hammered, Get Nailed.

-NPS-

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