10/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/02/2024 10:27
Oct 2, 2024
What you need to know: California is investing record amounts of federal funding and implementing new measures to save lives following an increase in traffic fatalities.
SACRAMENTO - As states across the nation, including California, continue to see an increase in traffic-related deaths, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced new record investments in transportation safety, education and enforcement programs. The record funding complements a slate of new safety measures recently signed by the Governor.
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is awarding a record $149 million in federal funding for 497 grants that expand safe biking and walking options and provide critical education and enforcement programs that will make roads safer throughout the state. This is the third consecutive year of historic funding, exceeding last year's amount by $21 million.
Roughly 12 people are killed on California roadways every day. Thanks to the help of the Biden-Harris Administration, we're doing something about it - surging record investments to communities across the state for enforcement and safety improvements and programs. This funding builds on action we recently took with the legislature to protect Californians on our roads and highways.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Last week, Governor Newsom announced he signed legislation allowing Malibu to add new speed cameras to a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. He also signed legislation setting long-term goals for safer and more inclusive transportation infrastructure, as well as new accountability measures.
The OTS funds hundreds of projects throughout the state addressing alcohol and drug-impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belts and child safety seats, bicycle and pedestrian safety, emergency medical services, police traffic services and traffic records.
The investments are part of Governor Newsom's infrastructure agenda to build more, faster. See projects in your community at build.ca.gov.
"The OTS is supporting the biggest investments in traffic safety programs since the 1960s," said OTS Director Barbara Rooney. "The once-in-a-generation funding will benefit communities across California as we continue to forge a path toward our goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads with the immediate action, urgency and undivided attention traffic safety deserves."
Among the projects funded today:
California encourages the public to join the movement for safer roads and sign up as a "traffic safety champion" atgosafelyca.org/get-involved.
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