The Menlo Park Police Department is set to receive $70,000 in grant funds from the California Office of Traffic Safety to put toward the “selective traffic enforcement program” starting in the fall. This grant provides funding to state and local public safety agencies for programs that help enforce traffic laws, educate the public about traffic safety and provide varied means to reduce fatalities, injuries and economic losses from collisions.

Menlo Park plans to utilize this grant for educational awareness programs and enforcement strategies that address impaired driving, distracted driving, nighttime seat belt use. In addition, they will target primary collision factors, special motorcycle safety enforcement and areas with high numbers of bicycle and pedestrian collisions. These strategies are designed to earn media and public attention thus enhancing the overall deterrent effect of distracted driving and increasing traffic safety awareness.