By Lookout Staff

October 14, 2022 -- More Santa Monica traffic officers will be patrolling Santa Monica after the Police Department received a $290,000 grant from the State.

In addition to increasing patrols across the city, SMPD will provide other traffic safety programs "to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on roads," police officials said.

"Our intent is to stop the most unlawful and dangerous behaviors that put people at risk and create an environment where everyone feels safe traveling," the Department said in a statement Friday.

The grant program -- which runs through September 2023 -- will increase DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.

It also will boost enforcement operations that target drivers who violate California’s hands-free cell phone law, as well as other dangerous behaviors that endanger cyclists and pedestrians.

In addition, the grant will also help increase operations focused on the main causes of crashes -- including speeding, failing to yield, running stop signs and red lights and turning or changing lanes improperly.

The grant also will also fund presentations on such traffic safety issues as distracted or impaired driving and speeding, as well as bicycle and pedestrian safety.

SMPD will collaborate its enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies, officials said.

In addition, the grant will help pay for officer training and recertification in Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

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