By Lookout Staff
October 14, 2025 -- The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) received a $285,000 State grant to tackle one of its top priorities, traffic safety, officials announced Monday.
The grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will support the department's "ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths," officials said.
The grant program, which runs through September 2026, helps fund DUI checkpoints and "patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers," as well as enforcement operations "targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law."
Funds also will be used for enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors and on top violations that cause crashes, which include speeding, failure to yield, running a stop sign or red light and improper turning or lane changes.
In addition, the grant funds community presentations and collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies, as well as officer training and recertification.
"Traffic enforcement remains a priority," police officials said in the latest edition of the crime blog The Blue Notebook.
During the week of September 21, the combined efforts of all traffic units resulted in 161 stops, 89 citations, 12 investigations, 4 arrests and 64 advisals.
"Enforcement operations focused on high-risk behaviors, including a Saturation Patrol that made 1 DUI arrest, and targeted San Vicente enforcement that resulted in 12 speeding citations," according to the blog.
Officers also used the Department's new SMART Center to identify a vehicle wanted by the Kern County Sheriff’s for attempted murder.
"A felony stop was conducted, and the suspect was taken into custody," police said.
This year's only traffic fatality took place on August 14 when a pedestrian was struck by a car near the Expo train station Downtown.
That compares with five fatal crashes last year, with three involving a pedestrian and two a bicyclist.
There was a total of 60 crashes last year that resulted in severe injuries or deaths a 54 percent rise over the 39 reported in 2023.
“Through focused traffic enforcement and education, we’re working toward a future where everyone will be safe on California roads,” said Stephanie Dougherty, director of the California Office of Traffic Safety.
“By encouraging people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together."