Temecula Police To Tackle DUI, Other Violations With Grant Funds

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula police this year plan to step up efforts curbing drunk driving, seatbelt and other dangerous roadway habits, thanks in part to a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Officials announced this week a $102,505 grant from the agency that is meant for an enforcement and public awareness campaign.

"The traffic safety program is intended to educate the public on sage roadway habits and deter people form violating traffic laws or practicing other unsafe behaviors that lead to injuries and fatalities," Temecula police said in a news release.

Some of the things the funding will help with include:

• DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to take suspected alcohol/drug impaired drivers -and those unlicensed or with a revoked/suspended license- off the road.
• Traffic Safety education presentation for youth and community members on distracted, impaired and teen driving, and bicycle/pedestrian safety.
• Distracted driving enforcement, persons driving while talking on, or holding cell phones.
• Patrols at intersections with increased incidents of pedestrian and bicycle collisions.
• Checking for seatbelt and child safety compliance.
• Motorcycle safety operations in areas with high rider volume and where higher rate of motorcycle crashes occur.
• Speeding, red light and stop sign enforcement.
• Know Your Limit programs is a public awareness and education program conducted in participating bars and restaurants, teams will interact with patrons and encourage them to participate in a voluntary EPAS screen test to raise the participants awareness as to the BAC levels relative to the operation of a motor vehicle and prevent an otherwise “over-the-limit” driver from getting behind the wheel.
• Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders.
• Specialized DUI and drugged driving training to identity and apprehend suspected impaired drivers.

"Getting in a vehicle remains one of the most dangerous things we do," OTS director Barbara Rooney said in the release. "We must continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to shift that realization and make traveling on our roads safer."