COURTESY OF RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Riverside Police department was awarded an Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety (IDOT-DTS) highway safety traffic enforcement grant for $21,185.94.
For the last few years the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has helped states implement traffic safety programs across the country to assist police agencies in conducting intensive, highly publicized campaigns of increased enforcement for speeding, impaired driving and safety belt laws.
This grant, the Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) runs October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014. Officers conduct six special enforcement mobilizations during this period (mobilization follows a four week schedule beginning with public information and education and concludes with a traffic enforcement phase).
The goal of this grant is to reduce the overall number of traffic crashes and associated fatalities and serious injuries through enforcement of all traffic laws with special emphasis on speed, occupant restraint and impaired driving. Police also want to achieve increased use of safety belts, child safety seats and booster seats during day and evening hours.
In 2012, Illinois had a slight rise in roadway deaths after having one of the best years in on record concerning roadway fatalities. Traffic safety statistics showed a slight decrease in the second half of 2012 after an awareness campaign that included a running tally of traffic deaths on highway message boards. Additionally, seatbelt use increased to a record-breaking 92% in 2012 contributing to the reduction in traffic deaths.
“Riverside Police Department is proud to continue its partnership with IDOT and other law enforcement agencies to help reduce traffic fatalities. We’re committed to increasing safety on our roadways and will use all available resources to provide safety education programs that encourage safe driving habits”, said Sergeant Leo Kotor. “With continued support and cooperation from the motoring public, we can keep the momentum going in the right direction for years to come”.
