News and Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE

LIVERMORE POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM EXPANDING

TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANT
The California Office of Traffic Safety, under the auspices of the Business Transportation and Housing Agency, has awarded the Livermore Police Department a traffic safety grant in the amount of $207,722.00. Beginning April 1, 2001, this grant will fund two civilian support staff positions and provide computer and administrative support over the next two years that will enable our sworn personnel to respond more effectively to the public and expand our educational and enforcement efforts.

This grant recognizes the excellent work that has begun in the Traffic Unit since 1999 when the Livermore City Council initiated the Traffic Education, Engineering and Enforcement Program to respond to community issues.

The primary goals of the traffic project include the reduction of fatal and injury collisions, increased hazardous violation enforcement and the education of the public in all traffic safety issues.

The specific goals are:
1. To reduce total fatal and injury collisions 15% from the calendar 1999 base year total of 282 to 239 by March 30, 2003.

2. To reduce speed related fatal and injury collisions 15% from the calendar 1999 base year total of 79 to 67 by March 30, 2003.

3. To reduce alcohol involved fatal and injury collisions 20% from the calendar 1999 base year total of 16 to 13 by March 30, 2003.

4. To reduce nighttime (2100 - 0300 hours) fatal and injury collisions 10% from the 1999 base year total of 99 to 89 by March 30, 2003.

5. To reduce hit & run fatal and injury collisions 10% from the 1999 base year total of 18 to 16 by March 30, 2003.

6. To increase child safety seat use 5% from the calendar 2000 base year usage rate of 91 % to 96 % by March 30, 2003.

7. To increase seat belt compliance 2% from the calendar 2000 base year rate of 96 % to 98% by March 30, 2003.

8. To increase bicycle helmet compliance for children (ages 5-18) 30% percentage points from the calendar 2000 base year compliance rate of 50% to 80% by March 30, 2003.

9. To reduce bicycle fatalities and injuries among children under age 15, 15% from the calendar 1999 base year rate of 13 to 11 by March 30, 2003.

10. To reduce total bicycle fatalities and injuries 15% from the calendar 1999 base year rate of 33 to 28 by March 30, 2003.

In order to achieve these goals the Livermore Police Department will be implementing a multitude of educational and enforcement programs including:

• An aggressive public information and education campaign to highly publicize specific enforcement efforts targeting impaired drivers, unlicensed drivers, occupant protection issues and juvenile helmet violations.
• Developing traffic safety programs throughout the City of Livermore including training relating to use of seat belts, child safety seat usage and bicycle safety.
• Promoting arrests of persons driving under the influence by conducting DUI checkpoints and developing partnerships for increased enforcement.
• Increasing the total number of impounded vehicles driven by persons with a suspended and/or revoked license.

TRAFFIC SAFETY LEADERSHIP GROUP
As a means of promoting traffic safety throughout Livermore and the surrounding area, the Livermore Police Department has also established a Traffic Safety Leadership Group. This panel includes leaders from law enforcement, traffic court, Department of Motor Vehicles, traffic engineering, school district, business community and the police department's Neighborhood Watch Program.

The committee has been established by Lieutenant Donn Neher who is assigned to command the Traffic Unit. The members will be meeting on a regular basis to support the following educational and enforcement elements that have been created by the Traffic Unit:

• Impaired Driving: alcohol and drug related offenses
• Negligent Operation of Motor Vehicles: suspended and unlicensed drivers
• Occupant Protection and Child Safety Programs
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Concerns
• Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections
• School Safety Programs

The traffic unit welcomes your comments and suggestions on improving traffic conditions in our community. Please contact your traffic unit at the police department's website www.ci.livermore.ca.us or call us at 371-4856.

For Further Information please contact:

Lieutenant Donn Neher
Operations Support Commander
925-371-4821

Dated: March 1, 2001 1530 hours