Grant to Help Palm Desert Target Impaired Drivers

The Palm Desert Police Department was awarded a $100,072 grant by the California Office of Traffic Safety to fund a yearlong program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways.

The grant should pay for the city's ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and the quality of life, according to police officials.

“DUI Drivers continue to cause needless injuries and deaths here in Palm Desert and the entire Coachella Valley,” said Police Captain Kevin Vest stated. “Simply avoid any chance of killing or maiming someone else by using a Designated Driver."

While traffic deaths declined by nearly 39 percent between 2006 and 2010 in California, state and federal officials anticipate that figures will show a slight rise in 2011, police officials said. DUI deaths remain the largest sector, at nearly 30 percent of traffic fatalities. Recent trends show increases in two new categories – distracted driving and drug-impaired driving, officials said.

“Despite the recent increases, California's roadways are still very much safer than they were before 2006,” said OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy. “The Palm Desert Police Department will be keeping the pressure on through enforcement and public awareness so that we can continue saving lives and reach the vision we all share – Toward zero deaths, every one counts.”