Merced Police Department receives $98,900 grant for traffic safety enforcement

The Merced Police Department has received a $98,900 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to expand traffic enforcement and education programs aimed at reducing serious injuries and deaths on local roadways.

The grant will fund additional DUI checkpoints, distracted driving enforcement, traffic patrols, officer training and community education programs through Sept. 30, 2027.

“We are grateful to receive this grant that will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” Merced Police Department Sergeant Jacob Fister said. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone."

According to the department, the funding will support DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on identifying suspected impaired drivers, as well as conducting high-visibility enforcement operations targeting motorists who violate California's hands-free cellphone law.

Additional operations will focus on traffic violations associated with collisions, including speeding, failure to yield, running stop signs or red lights, and making improper turns or lane changes and addressing driving behaviors that endanger pedestrians and bicyclists.

Officer training and community education

A portion of the grant will support specialized training and recertification for officers including Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training.

The department will also provide community presentations covering distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and pedestrian and bicycle safety.

How the grant funding will be used

According to City of Merced grant documents, the $98,900 award includes $87,106 for personnel and benefits, $3,103 for in-state travel and $8,691 for supplies.

The personnel allocation represents approximately 88% of the total award and will primarily support additional enforcement operations.

The funding is provided through the California Office of Traffic Safety, using federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

State officials emphasize traffic safety

OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said the program is intended to address driving behaviors that contribute to preventable collisions.

“Traffic safety begins with everyday decisions,” Dougherty said. “When we address the risky driving behaviors that put everyone on the road in danger, including speeding, distraction, and impairment, we can prevent crashes and save lives.”

The department's grant program runs through Sept. 30, 2027.