Pomona Police Department has been awarded two grants totaling $563,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for year-long education, enforcement and child passenger safety training programs. They are intended to educate the public on safe roadway habits, train families on how to properly use child safety seats, and deter people from violating traffic laws that lead to injuries and fatalities.
“It has always been a priority for the Pomona Police Department to ensure the safety of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and all others that use our roadways. Our partnership with the Office of Traffic Safety allows us to direct targeted enforcement against driving behavior that endangers our community and puts lives at risk.” – Pomona Police Deputy Chief Hector Rodriguez
The grants from OTS are for the 2019 federal fiscal year, which is Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019.
In 2016, 3,623 people were killed in crashes across the state, a 7 percent increase from 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Almost all crashes are preventable,” OTS director Rhonda Craft said. “Education and enforcement go hand in hand helping change behaviors that cause devastating crashes.”
In addition to promoting safe roadway behaviors for teen drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, Pomona Police Department will place a special emphasis on make sure child passengers are riding as safely as possible.
“It is our responsibility and duty to ensure the safety of children. Child seat check-ups, education classes, technician training, and car seat distribution and installation events help our department improve this level of safety by ensuring the proper use of car seats and boosters. Our partnership with the Office of Traffic Safety and Safety Belt Safe, U.S.A. has provided resources, education, and training that will help ensure the safety of our future generations.” – Pomona Police Deputy Chief Hector Rodriguez
A nationwide survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that two out of three car seats are misused. Car crashes remain the leading cause of death for children, and car seats save lives by reducing the risk of injury or death.
Funding for these programs was provided by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Pomona Police Department will use the funding as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education.
Anyone with information that would aid in solving any crime is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
Prepared by: Traffic Services
Pomona Police Department
909-620-2156
