With a formal announcement made earlier this month in Sacramento, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is awarding over $140 million in federal funding for 495 grants to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and provide critical education and enforcement programs that serve the traffic safety needs of Californians.
“We’re reshaping traffic safety in California. Our investments are making our roads safer, our communities stronger, and our infrastructure more resilient,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “While there’s still more work to do, we’re doing it together, up and down the state, making smart, targeted improvements that will protect Californians for years to come.”
This funding adds to the $14.6 billion in dedicated state funding for the state’s transportation infrastructure. Recently, through a joint initiative on statewide policy on road safety by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS), the state set an interim goal to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in traffic crashes by 30 percent by 2035. This targeted, prevention-first approach complements nearly $5 billion in investments specific to Governor Newsom’s build more, faster agenda, delivering infrastructure upgrades that improve roads, expand safe transportation options and continue to support the safe movement of people throughout the state. See projects in your community at build.ca.gov.
The OTS funds hundreds of projects throughout the state in the areas of alcohol and drug-impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belts and child safety seats, bicycle and pedestrian safety, emergency medical services, police traffic services and traffic records. Funding also supports the OTS “Go Safely, California” program, a statewide public education and awareness initiative that drives forward a positive road safety culture.
As part of the traffic safety funding, the OTS is awarding nearly $22.3 million to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to support 20 projects that span both statewide initiatives and localized efforts. These grants aim to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries through targeted outreach, enforcement, and community engagement programs tailored to the unique needs of communities across California.
The CHP statewide initiatives include:
Reduce Drunk Driving, $6 million: Funds DUI checkpoints, saturation patrols, and public education campaigns, including participation in national enforcement efforts.
Speed Prevention, Education and Enforcement Deterrence, $2.2 million: Supports enforcement and outreach to reduce crashes caused by speeding and aggressive driving.
Teen Impaired Driving Education, $2 million: Expands enforcement and education efforts, including the Every 15 Minutes program, to prevent impaired driving among teens.
Sideshow, Takeover, Racing, Education, and Enforcement Taskforce, $1.7 million: Aims to reduce illegal street racing and sideshows through public education, training, and enforcement.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety, Education, Enforcement and Awareness Program, $1.25 million: Supports enhanced enforcement operations and public awareness campaigns to improve pedestrian safety, especially in school zones and at bus stops.
Teen Distracted Driving, $900,000: Partners with Impact Teen Drivers (ITD) to raise awareness about distracted driving and promote safe habits among teens.
California Restraint Safety Education and Training, $850,000: Provides child safety seat inspections, distributions, and training for CHP and allied agencies.
Get Educated and Ride Safe, $650,000: Enhances enforcement in high-risk areas for motorcycle crashes and promotes helmet use and safe riding practices.
Start Smart Teen Driver Safety Education, $575,000: Educates newly licensed teen drivers and their parents on safe driving habits through free, officer-led classes at CHP offices.
Adult Distracted Driving $350,000: Provides education and enforcement to reduce distracted driving among adults, including free interactive classes and community outreach.
Keeping Everyone Safe, $225,000: Helps older drivers stay safe and confident behind the wheel.
“These grants are a vital investment in the safety of every Californian who uses our roads. From educating young drivers to preventing impaired and distracted driving, this funding allows our officers to engage directly with communities and take meaningful action to reduce crashes and save lives,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.
The grant programs run until Sept. 30, 2026.
