California awards $140M in traffic safety grants to reduce deaths

By SDCN Staff

Sacramento, CA–California officials announced new investments in transportation safety as the state continues efforts to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries.

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is awarding more than $140 million in federal funding for 495 grants aimed at improving bicycle and pedestrian safety, and supporting education and enforcement programs across the state.

In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state is working to strengthen roadway safety through targeted improvements, while acknowledging the need for continued progress. The grant funding adds to California’s $14.6 billion in state transportation infrastructure investments.

“We’re reshaping traffic safety in California. Our investments are making our roads safer, our communities stronger, and our infrastructure more resilient. While there’s still more work to do, we’re doing it together, up and down the state, making smart, targeted improvements that will protect Californians for years to come,” Governor Newsom stated in a news release.

Earlier this year, the California State Transportation Agency and California Health and Human Services Agency set an interim goal to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in traffic crashes by 30% by 2035. The state says this prevention-focused approach aligns with nearly $5 billion in transportation upgrades tied to the governor’s infrastructure initiative.

California State Transportation Agency Secretary Toks Omishakin said the new grants will fund a range of programs, including technology for first responders and emergency medical innovations. He said the state’s strategy relies on data-driven investments intended to improve safety for all road users.

“Thanks to Governor Newsom’s unwavering leadership, California is making bold, data-driven investments that prioritize safety and save lives,” said Secretary Toks Omishakin. “From equipping first responders with life-saving tools like the ‘Jaws of Life’ and digital alert technology, to supporting groundbreaking emergency care innovations like UCLA’s prehospital blood transfusion pilot, these historic grants reflect our commitment to building a transportation system where every person—whether walking, biking, or driving—can travel safely in every community.”

OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said the agency’s grants support statewide efforts to address impaired and distracted driving, encourage seat belt and child safety seat use, improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, and strengthen emergency medical services. The funding also supports the “Go Safely, California” public education campaign.

“Every person deserves to be safe walking, biking, or driving,” said Stephanie Dougherty, director, California Office of Traffic Safety. “The OTS is committed to saving lives through a collective set of actions – public education, enforcement targeted at dangerous driving behaviors, and establishing a strong road safety culture that empowers people to put safety first – that will reduce the number of people killed on our roads.”

As part of the statewide allocations, OTS is awarding nearly $22.3 million to the California Highway Patrol for 20 projects focused on enforcement, outreach, and community engagement. CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said the grants will help address impaired and distracted driving and expand safety education for young drivers.

The CHP statewide initiatives include:

Reduce Drunk Driving, $6 million: Funds DUI checkpoints, saturation patrols, and public education campaigns, including participation in national enforcement efforts.
Speed Prevention, Education and Enforcement Deterrence, $2.2 million: Supports enforcement and outreach to reduce crashes caused by speeding and aggressive driving.
Teen TeImpaired Driving Education, $2 million: Expands enforcement and education efforts, including the Every 15 Minutes program, to prevent impaired driving among teens.
Sideshow, Takeover, Racing, Education, and Enforcement Taskforce, $1.7 million: Aims to reduce illegal street racing and sideshows through public education, training, and enforcement.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety, Education, Enforcement, and Awareness Program, $1.25 million: Supports enhanced enforcement operations and public awareness campaigns to improve pedestrian safety, especially in school zones and at bus stops.
Teen Distracted Driving, $900,000: Partners with Impact Teen Drivers (ITD) to raise awareness about distracted driving and promote safe habits among teens.
California Restraint Safety Education and Training, $850,000: Provides child safety seat inspections, distributions, and training for CHP and allied agencies.
Get Educated and Ride Safe, $650,000: Enhances enforcement in high-risk areas for motorcycle crashes and promotes helmet use and safe riding practices.
Start Smart Teen Driver Safety Education, $575,000: Educates newly licensed teen drivers and their parents on safe driving habits through free, officer-led classes at CHP offices.
El Protector, $450,000: Provides Spanish-language traffic safety education at schools, businesses, and community events to reduce crashes and save lives.
Native-Tribal Traffic Education $425,000: Promotes traffic safety in tribal communities through outreach and education.
Adult Distracted Driving $350,000: Provides education and enforcement to reduce distracted driving among adults, including free interactive classes and community outreach.
Keeping Everyone Safe, $225,000: Helps older drivers stay safe and confident behind the wheel.