Santa Barbara police officials plan to step up traffic enforcement after receiving a $194,000 grant from the state targeted at creating safer streets.
Along with increased traffic enforcement, authorities plan to target DUI offenders in particular with sobriety checkpoints and special operations.
“Clearly we take driving under the influence very seriously,” Police Chief Cam Sanchez said in a news release. “DUI is a preventable crime and arresting DUI drivers will save lives.”
Among the special operations that police officials plan to launch with the new funding are court stings, during which officers watch for DUI offenders with suspended or revoked driver’s licenses who get behind the wheel after leaving court.
Authorities are also adding specialized motorcycle enforcement patrols during the coming year. Officers plan to crack down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists and other drivers that result in collisions, injuries and deaths.
The grant is being provided via the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.