University of ϱ Police Services received $28,312 in grants from the ϱ Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety for traffic safety programs for the coming year. The funds will breakdown into two programs.
- $15,812 for Joining Forces: a high visibility, multi-jurisdiction statewide effort to increase safety on ϱ’s roads by increasing enforcement and awareness of traffic laws. The goal is to reduce crashes and save lives by focusing on impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belt use, speed and pedestrian safety.
- $12,500 for Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving: University Police will conduct educational programs and directed enforcement to emphasize safe walking and driving with a goal of reducing vehicle versus pedestrian collisions.
These grant awards enable University Police Services to plan programs on the ϱ System of Higher Education campuses under one jurisdiction, and team up with other local law enforcement for a number of Joining Forces events from Oct. 1, 2019 through Sept. 30, 2020.
“University Police Services have benefited from traffic safety funding and participated in Joining Forces for many years,” University Police Chief Todd Renwick said. “We appreciate the support in educating our population, as it provides a great opportunity for us to partner with our local colleagues in an effort to increase safety for all drivers and pedestrians.”
The most recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows 309 traffic deaths in ϱ in 2017. There were 37,133 traffic deaths nationwide, with 10% of those being attributed to distracted driving.
“Whether you’re a driver, a passenger or a pedestrian, University Police reminds everyone to make safety on our roadways a top priority,” Renwick said.
More information about safe driving and the state’s Zero Fatalities goal is available online at .
