Office of Traffic Safety Awards $235,000 Grant to SJPD for Traffic Enforcement

MEDIA ADVISORY

The San José Police Department has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads. The grant program runs through September 2026.

“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” stated SJPD Lieutenant Bret Hatzenbuhler. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone."

The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:

• DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.
• High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
• Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
• Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
• Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
• Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE).

“Through focused traffic enforcement and education, we’re working toward a future where everyone will be safe on California roads,” stated OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty. “By encouraging people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together."

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