Concord Police to Ramp Up Traffic Safety With State Grant

More police patrol cars will be cruising Concord's streets soon, thanks to a $150,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to improve road safety in the city.

The money will fund a year-long program aimed at reducing the number of injuries and deaths on Concord's roads by ramping up traffic enforcement and expanding public awareness efforts — especially when it comes to drunk, drugged or distracted driving.

Last month, there were at least 32 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the Concord Police Department's weekly arrest reports.

OTS has allotted $77 milion of federal funding for traffic safety programs across the state in 2012-13, according to the agency, with special emphasis on distracted driving and drugged driving. OTS survey results suggest an increase in cell phone use while driving, as well as a spike in the number of fatal crashes involving drivers under the influence of drugs. According to OTS, the traffic safety grants will help fund distracted driving awareness campaigns as well as increased enforcement, plus officer training in the detection of drug-impaired drivers.

Concord can expect more DUI patrols and increased enforcement of traffic laws as police crack down on speeding, running red lights or stop signs and dangerous or reckless driving.

Do you think Concord will benefit from added traffic enforcement patrols, awareness campaigns and outreach? Share your thoughts below.