The Lathrop Police Department is partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety.

By that, local police were awarded with a $81,500 grant from the Office of Traffic Safety that will go towards supporting the department’s ongoing enforcement and education programs aimed at reducing the number of serious injuries and deaths on the road.

“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” said Lt. Brian Hernandez on the Nov. 1 press release.

He added: “By increasing enforcement of traffic laws and focusing on high-risk areas, we aim to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”

The grant will provide additional programs and resources to the following:

• DUI checkpoints and patrols that focus on stopping suspected impaired drivers.

• High-visibility distracted drivers including those in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone laws.

• Enforcement operations aimed at the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety on those riding a bike or walking at risk.

• Enforcement operations focused on top violations on speeding, failing to yield, running stop signs and / or red lights, and conducting improper lane changes, in turn, putting those nearby at risk.

• Community presentations on traffic safety issues consisting of distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.

• Collaborative enforcement with neighboring agencies.

• Officer Training and / or recertification – examples of that are the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

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