Golden State Today

California is making a substantial investment in road safety initiatives following an increase in traffic fatalities. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the state will be allocating a record $149 million in federal funding to support 497 grants focused on enhancing transportation safety, education, and enforcement programs. This marks the third consecutive year of historic funding levels, surpassing last year's amount by $21 million.

Governor Newsom stated, "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."

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is directing these funds towards projects addressing various aspects of road safety including impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belt use, bicycle and pedestrian safety, emergency medical services, police traffic services, and traffic records.

OTS Director Barbara Rooney commented on the significance of these efforts: “The OTS is supporting the biggest investments in traffic safety programs since the 1960s. 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.”

Key allocations include approximately $51 million for law enforcement agencies targeting dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding and impaired driving; around $13 million for bicycle and pedestrian safety programs; roughly $2.74 million for emergency medical services which includes extrication equipment; $350,000 for research at University of California's Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC); and over $143,000 for Calaveras County Public Health Department's prevention-focused program.

These initiatives align with Governor Newsom’s broader infrastructure agenda aimed at accelerating construction projects statewide. Residents can learn more about local projects at build.ca.gov.

Additionally, Californians are encouraged to participate in promoting safer roads by becoming "traffic safety champions" through gosafelyca.org/get-involved.