Full Notification

San Mateo Police Department Awarded $166,000 Grant for Speeding, Distracted Driving, Pedestrian Violations, DUI Enforcement, and other Traffic-Related Issues to Increase Safety on San Mateo Roads

San Mateo, CA-The San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads.

“This grant funding is an important investment in the safety of our community and everyone who travels our roads,” said San Mateo Police Department Traffic Sergeant Nicholas Ryan. “With the support of the California Office of Traffic Safety, we can strengthen our enforcement and education efforts, address dangerous driving behaviors, and work toward our ultimate goal of preventing crashes, reducing serious injuries, and saving lives.”

The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:

• DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.
• High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
• Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
• Enforcement operations focused on top driving violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.

• Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
• Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.

 
“Traffic safety begins with everyday decisions,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “When we address the risky driving behaviors that put everyone on the road in danger, including speeding, distraction, and impairment, we can prevent crashes and save lives. By supporting enforcement efforts and educating communities, we’re helping to  build a safety culture where looking out for others and safe travel behaviors are the norm.”

The grant program runs through September 2027.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.