GONZALES — Gonzales Police Department has received a $30,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aimed to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in crashes involving alcohol and other primary crash factors.
The funded strategies will include impaired driving enforcement, enforcement operations focusing on primary crash factors, distracted driving, night-time seat belt enforcement, special enforcement operations encouraging motorcycle safety, enforcement and public awareness in areas with a high number of bicycle and pedestrian crashes and educational programs.
In 2022, Gonzales ranked eighth out of 76 cities for pedestrian-vehicle crashes. Moreover, in the 65 and older category, it ranked fourth out of 76. In 2023, Gonzales experienced 29 hit-and-runs compared to 25 in 2022.
During 2024, Gonzales experienced 10 injury crashes and 19 hit-and-runs.
“With the support of the Office of Traffic Safety and grant funding, Gonzales PD will provide traffic safety education to the public on vehicle and pedestrian safety and further develop our enforcement program focusing on roadway violations in an effort to decrease fatal and injury crashes,” according to the department. “We will also increase enforcement efforts throughout Gonzales, particularly in high-traffic areas where there are many pedestrians, including children.”
The data underscores the ongoing challenges in reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities across all demographics.
“The department remains committed to proactive enforcement and safety initiatives, focusing on high-risk areas and vulnerable road users,” stated Gonzales PD. “Addressing issues, such as speeding, impaired driving and distracted driving, require consistent and continuous enforcement.”
The department allocates additional enforcement to maximize visibility, productivity and effectiveness by targeting times and locations where incidents are most common based on data. With the increase in traffic enforcement operation details, the department can address the ongoing concerns in reducing both fatal and injury crashes.
The grant program runs through September 2026.
